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Intellectual Disability (Intellectual Developmental Disorder)

Jennifer L. Ayres, PhD Reviewed 06/2021
 


BASICS

  • A global deficit in cognitive functioning evidenced by a significant difference in mental and chronologic ages (IQ) and significantly impaired adaptive functioning (1)

  • The term “mental retardat...

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of ID requires a thorough assessment conducted by an appropriately credentialed mental health professional who is formally trained and licensed to conduct appropriate psychodia...

TREATMENT

  • Tailor early intervention services to individual needs.

  • Caregiver support, including:

    • Train caregiver(s) to address behavioral issues, discipline, and social development.

    • Encourage caregivers t...

ONGOING CARE

Match provider communication of procedures, results, and treatment recommendations to patient level of cognitive functioning and receptive language skills. 
  • Most patients with mild ID are ...

REFERENCES

1
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . 5th ed. Arlington, VA: Amer...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Kripke  C. Adults with developmental disabilities: a comprehensive approach to medical care. Am Fam Physician.  2018;97(10):649–656. [View Abstract o...

CODES

ICD10

  • F79 Unspecified intellectual disabilities

  • F70 Mild intellectual disabilities

  • F71 Moderate intellectual disabilities

  • F72 Severe intellectual disabilities

  • F78 Other intellectual disabilities

  • F73 P...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • “Mental retardation” is an insensitive and disrespectful term that should not be used. ID or intellectual developmental disorder is preferred.

  • Multiple factors (including appropriatenes...

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