Abstract
Rates of psychopathology in 783 individuals with severe and profound mental retardation were evaluated. Differences were apparent not only across the two levels of mental retardation, but also for age groups of 21 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50, and over 50. Disorders studied in order from highest to lowest prevalence were schizophrenia, organic disorders, autism, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), psychosis not otherwise specified (NOS), and bipolar disorder. Rates of identified psychopathology were generally lower in the group with profound mental retardation, particularly for autism and bipolar disorder. Regarding age differences, organicity was more common in the groups aged over 30, as might be expected. However, rates did not differ markedly from 31 to 40, 41 to 40, and over 50. Little difference across ages was noted in psychosis NOS or schizophrenia. However, PDD was more common in younger individuals. Implications of these findings are discussed.
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Kirkpatrick-Sanchez, S., Williams, D.E., Matson, J.L. et al. An evaluation of age and intellectual functioning on rates of psychopathology. J Dev Phys Disabil 8, 21–27 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02578437
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02578437