Abstract

Navneet Kaur Bhatia, Navleen Kaur Bhatia and Dr. M. S. Bhatia*

ABSTRACT

Background: Intellectual disability (ID) is a common problem complicated by behavioral and physical comorbidity. The common behavioral problems are related to conduct, ADHD, aggression or agitation and emotion. There data is unique in every continent. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to analyze socio-demographic details, etiological factors and behavioral profile of ID patients. Material & Methods: 100 (74 males and 26 females) Intellectually disabled patients between the age 6 – 40 years, attending the disability clinic of, a tertiary care center in Delhi were thoroughly examined. Results: 40% of ID patients were in the age - group of 6 – 10 years, 74% were males and 41% belonged to semi urban background. Among etiological factors, most common causes of ID were birth anoxia (44%), family history (15%), Down’s Syndrome (9%) and antenatal Drug Exposure (5%). Behavior disorders (47%) were the commonest followed by ADHD (39%) and speech disorders (34%). Physical illnesses were seen in 57%. Maternal drug intake and maternal fever was found to be significantly more among females. The h/o postnatal events such as Trauma was found to be significantly more among females whereas anoxia, jaundice, head injury and infections were found to be significantly more among males. Microcephaly and Down syndrome were found to be significantly more among females. Conclusion: Birth anoxia and antenatal exposure to drugs are important factors leading to intellectual disability. They should be prevented. Oral habits are common in ID patients, there is a great need for the strengthening of Oral health promotion/ awareness programs.