"Mental ******ation" vs. "Intellectual Disability"

[futureapppsy2]

Which is the more common term? IIRC, the DSM-IV uses "mental ******ation," but in disability psych everyone says "intellectual disability," with "mental ******ation" always being said with a sort of asterik, a spoken or unspoken acknowledgement that it is an out-dated and potentailly offense term. However, I'm wondering which is the more common term in the psych field in general...?

I've also seen "developmental disability" used as a synomyn for MR/ID, but the actual definition of term is fair broader, encompassing autism, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, childhood spinal cord injury, epilepsy, childhood onset blindness or deafness, etc.

(Interestingly, the term "learning disability" is used to refer to MR/ID in the UK. Until I came across that clarification in some of the literature, it was a bit confusing!).

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[Cosmo75]

Uh oh, sounds like we're getting into the diagnosis vs. stigma discussion again 😀

I've heard intellectual disability more often lately than MR. In thinking about what I've personally used, I think I use both pretty equally. Grant it I don't have a lot of contact with MR/ID patients at my current site. But there is this negative connotation to MR due to the use of the word "******" in our society as a pejorative term. I'm not sure what we as psychologists can do to prevent lay people from taking diagnostic terms and fashioning them into insults to be hurled. It's a complicated problem.

 

[cmuhooligan]

I've also seen "developmental disability" used as a synomyn for MR/ID, but the actual definition of term is fair broader, encompassing autism, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, childhood spinal cord injury, epilepsy, childhood onset blindness or deafness, etc.

Hmm...I've never heard LDs or epilepsy referred to as a "developmental disability." If that is actually happening then I would agree that the term has indeed grown far too broad.

 

[futureapppsy2]

How do you mean? DDs are usually defined as "severe and chronic conditions resulting from mental and/or physical impairments, occurring prior to age 22 and causing problems with multiple major life activities," such as learning, walking, decision-making, language, independent living, or self-care. Depending on severity, epilepsy or LDs could potentially meet this criteria, and epilepsy is a common example in DD definitions.

My issue with the DD term is that very few people--even some of those in the field--understand what it actually means. DD is often used synomously with "cognitive impairment," "mental ******ation," and/or "intellectual disability," but in reality many DDs are primarily or purely physical (i.e., spina bifida, childhood SCI, muscular dystrophy, a lot of CP). Of course, some states have created narrower definitions for egilibility purposes, but the "standard" definition is pretty broad.

 

[cmuhooligan]

How do you mean? DDs are usually defined as "severe and chronic conditions resulting from mental and/or physical impairments, occurring prior to age 22 and causing problems with multiple major life activities," such as learning, walking, decision-making, language, independent living, or self-care. Depending on severity, epilepsy or LDs could potentially meet this criteria, and epilepsy is a common example in DD definitions.

My issue with the DD term is that very few people--even some of those in the field--understand what it actually means. DD is often used synomously with "cognitive impairment," "mental ******ation," and/or "intellectual disability," but in reality many DDs are primarily or purely physical (i.e., spina bifida, childhood SCI, muscular dystrophy, a lot of CP). Of course, some states have created narrower definitions for egilibility purposes, but the "standard" definition is pretty broad.

Typically, (at least in my understanding of it) developmental disabilities refer to the disorders of the autism spectrum, to broaden the definition I think dilutes the internal validity of the label. By using the definition you stated, one could fit many disorders into it; for example, major depressive disorder, severe, could be diagnosed prior to age 22, and certainly can interfere with problem-solving and self-care.

 

[KillerDiller]

I've more often heard the term "mental ******ation" than "intellectual disability". But then again, I don't work with children and those settings seem more likely to be implementing these sorts of changes.

Honestly, I don't really see the point, as any new term is also likely to be adopted as a pejorative by the general public. "Idiot" and "*****" used to be clinical terms as well. It's also happening with the acronym SPED for special education. Changing the vocabulary every few years just seems problematic.

 

[Ollie123]

I've only heard ID a few times...MR still seems to be quite common from what I've read/seen (admittedly not at all my area, so my exposure is quite limited).

To be honest, I have to agree with the above, that its kind of pointless. I think its mostly just to give bored political activists with too much time on their hands something to do. Any benefits will likely last a couple years at most, at which point people will be cursing us for still using the term "ID" and calling it outdated (even though the definition for the new term will be identical). Even if we change it to a 15 syllable latin word, people will just abbreviate it when using it as an insult, and then that word too will became "outdated".

It sounds cynical, but I really just think its a waste of everyones time to go through this game over and over again. Time that could be better spent doing things that will actually help people.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I worked for a year with an SED population, and MR seems to be the prevailing term I heard. DD is more amorphous, as it can reference more than just intellectual ability (as someone else correctly pointed out above). While I don't like some of the terminology in education (particularly SED), I'm not sure if there is an easy way to re-categorize everything.

 

[krisrox]

Finally, a thread I can add my knowledge to instead of simply asking all the questions! ; )

As far as I know, mental ******ation is a TYPE of developmental disability. DD's can be present without MR (such as many cases of cerebral palsy) Seizure disorders are referred to as developmental disabilities. Intellectual disability and developmental disability are often interchanged and as far as I know both are legitimate. There is a trend moving away from using MR as a label because of the stigma associated with the word "******ed."

Also, I thought MR had to be diagnosed before the age of 18, not 22, so correct me if this is incorrect.

 

[psychanxiety]

Also, I thought MR had to be diagnosed before the age of 18, not 22, so correct me if this is incorrect.

The onset needs to be before 18.

http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/disorders/mentretard.htm

 

[futureapppsy2]

Finally, a thread I can add my knowledge to instead of simply asking all the questions! ; )

As far as I know, mental ******ation is a TYPE of developmental disability. DD's can be present without MR (such as many cases of cerebral palsy) Seizure disorders are referred to as developmental disabilities. Intellectual disability and developmental disability are often interchanged and as far as I know both are legitimate. There is a trend moving away from using MR as a label because of the stigma associated with the word "******ed."

Also, I thought MR had to be diagnosed before the age of 18, not 22, so correct me if this is incorrect.

Yes, this seems right. Only the age cutoff for MR/ID is 18; the cutoff for others is 22, per the CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/default.htm).

CMU-are you thinking of PDD? I've *never* seen DD restricted to the autism spectrum, and I've read a lot of literature on DD. The defintion of DD that I posted is what's used in the field, though, confusingly, the eligibility for DD services through the state is often limited to ID/MR and autism.

 

[cmuhooligan]

CMU-are you thinking of PDD? I've *never* seen DD restricted to the autism spectrum, and I've read a lot of literature on DD. The defintion of DD that I posted is what's used in the field, though, confusingly, the eligibility for DD services through the state is often limited to ID/MR and autism.

Yes. I think this is why I was initially confused by your post, but, I'm on track with ya now 🙂

 

[erg923]

Just as a humourous aside, My grandfather, who is now 85, grew up in Frankfort, KY across the street from the "2nd Street School for Feeble-Minded Idiots."

Oh, how times have changed! 🙂

 

[krisrox]

The onset needs to be before 18.

http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/disorders/mentretard.htm

Ah, thank you. That's right.

 

[futureapppsy2]

Yes. I think this is why I was initially confused by your post, but, I'm on track with ya now 🙂

Okay, that makes sense. 🙂

Oh, and on a related note, has anyone heard of ID/MR being termed as LD (Learning Disability) on this side of the pond? My PI once mentioned something about that beginning to happen, but I've never seen it myself.

 

[RileyG]

Oh, and on a related note, has anyone heard of ID/MR being termed as LD (Learning Disability) on this side of the pond? My PI once mentioned something about that beginning to happen, but I've never seen it myself.

LDs are very different than MR. I've heard ID used as a very broad term to include people with MR and a LD, but LD and MR are not interchangeable. Most people who have a learning disability are not mentally ******ed.

To put it simply, learning disabilities are specific to reading, writing, or math (so you would say X has a reading LD), whereas mental ******ation refers to overall lowered cognitive functioning (not just in one area).

 

[Ollie123]

I agree. Like I said, this isn't my area, but I'm 99% certain that referring to MR as LD is a grossly inaccurate use of the LD label.

 

[RileyG]

I agree. Like I said, this isn't my area, but I'm 99% certain that referring to MR as LD is a grossly inaccurate use of the LD label.

exactly.

 

[futureapppsy2]

LDs are very different than MR. I've heard ID used as a very broad term to include people with MR and a LD, but LD and MR are not interchangeable. Most people who have a learning disability are not mentally ******ed.

To put it simply, learning disabilities are specific to reading, writing, or math (so you would say X has a reading LD), whereas mental ******ation refers to overall lowered cognitive functioning (not just in one area).

Oh, I know, but it was something my PI mentioned briefly, though it would probably coincide with the relabeling of LDs--perhaps as a way to unify terminology across the US, CA, and the UK.

 

[krisrox]

Oh, I know, but it was something my PI mentioned briefly, though it would probably coincide with the relabeling of LDs--perhaps as a way to unify terminology across the US, CA, and the UK.

I have never heard of anything like that, but it would be a good idea since a LD in the UK means the same as ID or MR in the US.

 

[RileyG]

Oh, I know, but it was something my PI mentioned briefly, though it would probably coincide with the relabeling of LDs--perhaps as a way to unify terminology across the US, CA, and the UK.

ahh nevermind 🙂

 

[GiantSteps]

First, all of you may be interested to know that what used to be the AAMR (American Association of Mental ******ation) has now changed its name to the AAIDD (American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities). This is the largest and, probably, the most important organization in this area.
http://www.aamr.org/

Developmental Disability is, as I think already pointed out, a more general term to cover intellectual and other types of disabilities acquired before a certain age. That age may vary from 18 to about 22 depending on which State one checks. Each State has its own laws in terms of providing services to the population.

Second, here is the AAIDD definition of intellectual disability:
http://www.aamr.org/content_100.cfm?navID=21

Third, despite the fact that AAIDD uses the term "intellectual disability" other sources still use "mental ******ation" and "intellectual deficiency". See one of the most importnat annual conference in this area, the Gatlinburg Conference, which uses both terms.

http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/gatlinburg/about.php


The Kennedy Krieger Institute, one of the foremost centers for researching and treating developmental disabilities uses "intellectual disability" and also, in regards to an earlier post, lists LD (Learning Disorder) amongst develkopmental disabilities.

http://www.kennedykrieger.org/

I could go on like this but it does seem as if the term Mental ******ation is slowly being phased out. Well, at least the terms: "cretan", "idiot", and "mongoloid" are no longer being used by professionals in the field.

 

[marithe18]

Hey Everyone,

I am a Freshman student of BS Psychology and I decided to took up this course to know more about understanding people with mental/intellectual disorders.

I know someone very close to me who is suffering from Atypical Depression and Epilepsy. She's really having a hard time dealing with her condition...

She was diagnosed with Epilepsy last year and hey psychiatrist has found out that she has been suffering from depression for quite sometime now, even before she had Epilepsy. Her case is rare for she is now on her mid twenty's.

I am still in my first year and I don't know how I can help her. If someone from this forum can give me advice, I would appreciate your help very much.

Thanks in Advance.

 

[krisrox]

Hey Everyone,

I am a Freshman student of BS Psychology and I decided to took up this course to know more about understanding people with mental/intellectual disorders.

I know someone very close to me who is suffering from Atypical Depression and Epilepsy. She's really having a hard time dealing with her condition...

She was diagnosed with Epilepsy last year and hey psychiatrist has found out that she has been suffering from depression for quite sometime now, even before she had Epilepsy. Her case is rare for she is now on her mid twenty's.

I am still in my first year and I don't know how I can help her. If someone from this forum can give me advice, I would appreciate your help very much.

Thanks in Advance.

I'm pretty sure it's against forum rules to give medical advice, but I'm sure a lot of the sites mentioned in this thread could be of help to you in getting the information you need. Good luck!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

MOD NOTE: It is against SDN policy to provide professional advice. Instead, we recommend that people seek local support from professionals who can more appropriately address your needs. -t4c

There are a number of associations that can help people with epilepsy and their friends/family, so that may be a good place to start.

 

[marithe18]

Hey Guys,

Yes, we we're actually looking for a place that can help my friend and her family.

She's currently on a once a month theraphy with her psychologist and I am just really praying that she gets well... I missed the old her.

Maybe this is the main reason why I entered Psychology, because I wanted to help her.

Thanks a lot guys. 🙂