Behaviour symptoms among severely and profoundly mentally retarded patients. A 16-18 year follow-up study.

Abstract

Little is known about the natural history and evolution of behaviour symptoms and patterns in severely and profoundly mentally retarded adults. This paper reports a cohort study of 100 such adults. Abnormal behaviour symptoms and patterns have been followed, using a carer rating scale and the modified Manifest Abnormality Scale of Goldberg's Clinical Interview Schedule (1970) by the same two consultant psychiatrists in 1975, 1981 and 1992. Emotional withdrawal, stereotypes and eye avoidance are particularly persistent. Carer ratings of noisiness and social withdrawal, and psychiatrist ratings of suspiciousness, overactivity and hostile irritability, are also persistent but to a lesser degree. Overall ratings of psychiatric disorder are persistent and act against successful community placement. Abnormal behaviour patterns in severely and profoundly mentally retarded adults show only a modest degree of abatement over time. Care staff need a good understanding of clinical psychiatric and behaviour management techniques.