Emotional and behavioral disorders may be associated with mental retardation, and they may interfere with the child's progress. Most children with mental retardation recognize that they are behind others of their own age. Adolescents and young adults with mental retardation may become depressed. These persons might not have enough language skills to talk about their feelings, and their depression may be shown by new problems, for instance in their behavior, eating and sleeping. Early diagnosis of psychiatric disorders in children with mental retardation leads to early treatment.
Medications are one part of overall treatment and management of children with mental retardation.
Periodic consultation may with a child and adolescent psychiatrist help the family in setting appropriate expectations, limits, opportunities to succeed, and other measures which will help their child with mental retardation handle the stresses of growing up. Facts sheets may be reproduced for personal or educational use without written permission, but cannot be included in material presented for sale. To order full sets of FFF, contact Public Information, 1.800.333.7636 . Copyright 1997 by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Please read this disclaimer.