Intellectual Disability Etiologies and Associated Psychiatric Disorders
Donald L. Goldfarb, M.D. & Anna E. Frankel, M.A.

Intellectual disability is ascribed to numerous etiologies. However, in many instances individuals with intellectual disability are undiagnosed as to etiology. This study was done to classify etiologies in a clinic population and to determine the percentage undiagnosed as to etiology. The group was also categorized as to level of intellectual disability and associated psychiatric disorders. A total 640 individuals with intellectual disability were surveyed and 61.4% were undiagnosed as to etiology. Prevention of any disorder should logically start with determination of cause. The high incidence (56.7%) of psychiatric disorders in individuals with intellectual disability emphasizes the need for readily available and specially trained personnel to address their needs.

Ment Health Aspects Dev Disabil 2007;10(1):18-24