Mental Handicap: Degrees, Characteristics And Available Treatments

Mental handicap can present itself in very different degrees. Here we will tell you about its main symptoms and the most appropriate interventions.

Mental disability has received different names over time. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests itself in below average cognitive functioning. In addition, it involves difficulties in other areas, such as sociability and the ability to evolve in the environment.

Mental disability can present with varying degrees of severity. What determines the real impact on people’s lives are the difficulties in having basic adaptive skills,  such as reading, writing, bonding, taking care of yourself, or getting organized in your day-to-day life.

How do you measure a person’s mental capacity?

In general,  intellectual ability is measured through standardized tests such as the Wechsler Scale of Intelligence (WISC-V). These offer a number that indicates the IQ of the person, that is, the difference between their mental age and their chronological age.

The population mean is estimated to have around a score of 100, so two typical deviations below the mean (IQ of 70 or below) indicate mental disability.

Nevertheless, even though mental disability is present from birth or from early childhood, many children do not show obvious symptoms until preschool age. Prenatal detection and developmental screening tests performed by pediatricians on a daily basis contribute to early diagnosis.

Symptoms related to mental disability

In addition to IQ,  there are other symptoms that characterize mental disability. These are signals that can indicate that a child’s development is not taking place adequately:

• Difficulties in reaching the main peaks of development. For example, it may take longer than other children to sit, crawl, or walk successfully.
• Delays in language acquisition  and in the capacity for verbal expression.
• Memory problems.
• Inability to perceive the consequences of their actions.
• Difficulties in learning,  logical thinking and problem solving.
• Complications in understanding social rules  and relating to others.
• Inability to evolve completely autonomously  in everyday life.

Main causes of mental handicap

There are many possible causes for mental disability, but the exact origin can only be found in 25% of cases. Among the main factors we find  chromosomal alterations (for example, Down’s syndrome) and hereditary disorders.

Problems during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia or the use of alcohol or drugs  can also play a role. In addition, infections, maternal or child undernutrition, severe head trauma or severe emotional abandonment of the baby can increase the risk.

Degrees of mental handicap

As we have commented, the manifestations of intellectual disability can present themselves in widely varying degrees. Thus,  according to the IQ and the autonomy of the person, we were able to establish four types of mental handicap:

Lightweight

The majority of people with intellectual disabilities are on this scale and, therefore, have  IQ scores between 50 and 70.

Their cognitive and learning capacities are a little delayed but  they generally manage to adapt to the school system and to have a professional activity.  Their social skills are often relatively adequate and they just need occasional help to evolve.

Moderate

With an IQ between 35 and 50, these people present greater cognitive difficulties, especially in the processing of complex concepts. They can work their skills and have low-skilled work under supervision.

Likewise, they are able to establish social relationships, even if their communication is not very complex. In addition, they can move independently to places they know and participate in social life if they are supported.

Serious

With an IQ between 20 and 35,  people with severe intellectual disabilities usually need constant supervision and support.  Language acquisition is delayed and language is limited.

They can learn to read certain words and understand simple social communication. They can also perform simple tasks with help and under supervision. However, their degree of autonomy is very low.

Deep

Profound mental disability only covers 1 or 2% of cases. These people  have serious cognitive, social and practical difficulties, in addition to other associated disabilities. Nonetheless, they value relationships with people they know and can participate in everyday life, if given a high level of support.

Treatments available

Treatment is primarily about  helping the person reach their maximum educational, social and practical potential.

Different professionals intervene (doctors, psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists…) and create an individualized plan. This is based on both strengths and weaknesses. It also takes care of the needs of the person with a disability and their family.

How can we reduce the likelihood of mental disability?

Prevention should begin even before pregnancy, with good prenatal care  that includes consumption of folic acid and appropriate vaccination. During pregnancy, it is important to avoid undernutrition, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and exposure to toxic environments.

Likewise,  adequate medical attention at the time of childbirth will help reduce the risk of complications. After birth, it will be essential to take care of the baby and meet his physical and emotional needs. However, despite all these precautions, it is not possible to completely eliminate the risk.

Importance of family and professional support

Mental disability is, in large part, due to lack of support and not just due to low IQ.  Thus, drugs, therapies or school adaptations are of great importance when it comes to achieving greater development and a better quality of life.

In addition, family support is essential so that these people can participate actively in their environment. It is therefore important to provide them with the practical and functional tools that help them reach their maximum potential  and help their families to achieve this support in the best possible way.