Difference Between Mental Illness and Mental Retardation

*By providing my details, I consent to receive assistance from Star Health regarding my purchases and services through any valid communication channel.

Mental Illness vs Mental Retardation: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

 

Mental Illness and Mental Retardation (commonly referred to as Intellectual Disability) are terms that are misunderstood and used interchangeably. However, they are distinct conditions with different causes, characteristics, and treatments. Understanding these differences is necessary to provide proper care and support. Read on to learn more about them.

 

What is Mental Illness?

 

Mental illness refers to a broad range of conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. These conditions can cause significant distress and affect a person’s ability to function properly in their daily lives. Here are a few distinct characteristics of mental illness:

 

  • Can develop at any age
  • May be temporary or chronic
  • Actively affects thinking, behaviour, and emotions

 

What is Intellectual Disability?

 

Intellectual disability involves limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour. It is a type of developmental condition that affects the cognitive capacity of a person to perform daily tasks. Here is an overview of a few characteristics of intellectual disability:

 

  • Difficulty in learning, reasoning, and problem-solving
  • Intellectual functioning is below average
  • A limited ability to perform daily activities

 

Key Differences Between Mental Illness and Mental Retardation

 

Here is a list of some of the key differences between Mental Illness and Intellectual Disability:

 

AspectMental IllnessIntellectual Disability
Onset   It can occur at any ageGenerally diagnosed in childhood
Causes      Biological, environmental and genetic factorsPrenatal factors, genetic disorders and birth complications
Impact on IntelligenceMost mental illnesses do not lower IQ (e.g., anxiety, PTSD). Some (e.g., untreated schizophrenia) may cause cognitive decline over time.Below-average functioning of intelligence
Duration  Can be episodic or chronic Lifelong condition
TreatmentMedication, therapy and supportTraining, education and support with daily tasks
FluctuationsSymptoms can fluctuate or improve over timeCondition remains stable throughout life

 

Causes of Mental Illness

 

Mental illness can result from a vast range of biological, psychological, and social factors. It develops due to a combination of these causes:

 

  • Genetic Factors : Genetic factors play a major role in developing mental illnesses. If a close family member has a mental health disorder, like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, the risk of developing the same condition increases considerably.
  • Trauma and Stress : Experiencing traumatic events during childhood can also lead to long-term mental health issues. These events may include abuse, neglect, exposure to violence, loss of a parent or caregiver, etc.
  • Substance Abuse : Drug and Alcohol misuse can alter brain chemistry. It increases the risk of developing mental health problems. In some cases, substance abuse worsens existing conditions or even triggers psychosis.

 

Causes of Intellectual Disability

 

Intellectual disability is generally caused by factors that interfere with the development of the brain. These causes can occur before birth, during birth, or even after birth. Here are a few causes of it:

 

  • Genetic Disorders : Genetic abnormalities can lead to Intellectual Disability, such as Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Phenylketonuria (PKU).
  • Problems During Pregnancy : Many issues can affect brain development during pregnancy, such as infections such as rubella, syphilis or toxoplasmosis. Exposure to alcohol, drugs and toxic substances while pregnant also negatively affects the child in the womb.
  • Birth Complications : Complications can happen during delivery and can lead to a lack of oxygen in the baby’s brain. This increases the risk of an Intellectual Disability. Some of the more common problems are birth injuries and low birth weight, premature birth, and prolonged or difficult labour.

 

Having a clear understanding of all these differences between Mental Illness and Intellectual Disability is the key to providing the necessary care and services for people who are affected by either condition. It can help them lead healthier lives.

Disclaimer:
This FAQ page contains information for general purpose only and has no medical or legal advice. For any personalized advice, do refer company's policy documents or consult a licensed health insurance agent. T & C apply. For further detailed information or inquiries, feel free to reach out via email at marketing.d2c@starhealth.in