A literature review of autism and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) substantiates a significant association between the two. Studies of 14 autistic probands and 13 TSC probands identified 7 TSC subjects with autism, who had more seizures and mental retardation than those without autism. More male TSC probands with autism than female were…

Neuroleptic-induced akathisia is a relatively common side effect of neuroleptic medication, characterized by a subjective sense of restlessness; the inability to sit still; and sometimes aggression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and suicide. The importance of the diagnosis and treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia in individuals with mental…

Comparison of brand-name Depakene with generic valproic acid medication to control seizures in 64 subjects with mental retardation living in an intermediate care facility found no statistically significant differences in seizures or blood levels. Results suggest use of the generic medication can result in substantial cost savings. (Author/DB)

The article describes a population of retarded people in a British city who were followed from childhood up to the age of 22 years and examines the frequency of various kinds and degrees of intellectual, physical, and behavioral impairment which they suffer. (Author/DLS)

Review of psychiatric hospital discharge summaries for 247 individuals with mental retardation and psychiatric disorders found that 39 had a seizure diagnosis. The only difference between the groups with and without seizures was level of mental retardation. No differences existed concerning length of stay, transfer to state hospital, psychiatric…

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, an uncommon but potentially lethal complication of antipsychotic medication, is reviewed, including analysis of 29 cases in which the condition appeared in individuals with mental retardation. Recommendations about reducing morbidity and mortality in this population are offered. (Author/DB)

Background: Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability. Since the identification of the responsible gene ("FMR1") and its protein (FMRP), there has been enormous progress in both clinical and pathogenetic research on the neurobehavioural aspects of the condition. However, studies regarding other medical…

Review of the charts of 100 patients with mental retardation and epilepsy revealed that 60 patients were taking 1 antiepileptic drug and 40 were taking 2 or 3 drugs. Most subjects had generalized tonic-clonic seizures, but individuals with profound retardation had relatively more mixed seizures. (Author/JDD)

This study of 40 patients with mental retardation receiving carbamazepine found hyponatremia in only 5 percent of these patients and found a statistically, but not clinically, significant decrease in serum sodium levels in patients receiving anticonvulsant polytherapy. Results support the use of this drug with patients with mental retardation and…

The arm tremor of adults (n=32) diagnosed as having mental retardation and/or tardive dyskinesia was examined through an analysis of the acceleration properties of several arm postures. The degree of arm acceleration was increased in all subjects compared to a control group without mental retardation. Effects of neuroleptic medication were noted.…

Focuses on how learning works. Discusses three major components related to processing information--sensory and perceptual systems, integration of information, and output of information--and developmental and environmental factors affecting brain information in each of these areas. Concludes with discussion of biological bases for cognitive and…

Aversive stimuli (electroshock) were used to condition a 5-year-old mentally retarded male to refrain from inducing seizures. (Author)