FACTORS CAUSING MENTAL RETARDATION

Mental Retardation (MR) is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by a significant impairment of cognitive and development due to abnormalities in the structure or function of brain. Mentally Retarded persons have IQ less than 70. The worldwide prevalence of MR is 1-3%. A number of factors including environmental factors, genetic factors, malnutrition, maternal use of alcohol during pregnancy, drug and poverty are responsible for MR. The congenital dysfunction of brain and injury of brain can also cause MR. The leading cause of MR births include Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Down's syndrome and metabolic disorders like PKU.