Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Mental retardation causes
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Possible causes for intellectual disability can be divided into genetic causes and environmental factors.
Causes
Causes
In less than 50% of individuals with mild ID, a specific cause is identified, and it increases to 75% in those with severe ID. [1]
Genetics
Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) is the most common genetic cause of ID, while Fragile X is the most common inherited cause of ID. [1]
Environmental Factors
Alcohol exposure during pregnancy, lead and other heavy metals, iodine deficiency, brain infections, congenital rubella syndrome, and cytomegalovirus infections, as well as hypoxic-ischemic injury, and periventricular hemorrhages all cause brain injury resulting in disability. [2]
References
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Moeschler, J. B.; Shevell, M. (2014). “Comprehensive Evaluation of the Child With Intellectual Disability or Global Developmental Delays”. PEDIATRICS. 134 (3): e903–e918. doi:10.1542/peds.2014-1839. ISSN 0031-4005.
- ↑ “Intellectual Disability and Mental Health Problems : Evaluation of Two Clinical Assessment Instruments, Occurrence of Mental Health Problems and Psychiatric Care Utilisation”.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Chelsea Mae Nobleza, M.D.[2]