The psychopathological model of mental retardation: theoretical and therapeutic considerations

Mental retardation has heterogenous elements including genetic-biological and environmental factors that occur in a complex relationship. One construction commonly utilized is the overlapping etiologies, pathogenesis, and symptomatology in a bio-psycho-social model framework. A new integrated bio-psycho-social model we call "universe line" provides the possibility of integrating data from different research areas, specially cognitive and psychopathologic indicators. However, further methodology to refine and experimentally verify that model need to be elaborated. Implications of this theoretical approach are discussed.