Intellectual disability and mental health: an overview†

ABSTRACTCharacterised by impairment of global mental activities, intellectual disability as a term has replaced learning disability. Although in many countries terms such as mental handicap and mental retardation are still being used, the term intellectual disability is to be preferred. Intellectual disability has different significance across cultures and has three levels of severity: mild, moderate and severe. The causes of intellectual disability are divided into pre-natal, peri-natal and post-natal. Assessment and management of intellectual disability need broad multi-factorial approach. Rates of physical co-morbidity are very high and need careful evaluation.