Practitioner Review: Physical Investigations in Mental Retardation

Mental retardation occurs in more than 1% of the child population. A cause can be found in almost 80% of individuals with severe mental retardation, but in fewer than 40% of those with mild mental retardation. A work‐up is indicated in all cases of mental retardation. A medical doctor with specific training in the field is needed to make “decision‐tree diagnosis” and to suggest the most appropriate physical investigations in each case. This paper provides practical guidelines for diagnosis and work‐up both in severe and mild mental retardation.