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Abuse and Neglect as a Cause of Mental Retardation

A Study of 140 Children Admitted to Subnormality Hospitals in Wiltshire

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Ann Buchanan  and
J. E. Oliver
Ann Buchanan
Affiliation:
Burderop Hospital, Swindon, Wiltshire
J. E. Oliver
Affiliation:
Pewsey Hospital, Pewsey, Wiltshire
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Abstract

The survey of 140 children under 16 in two subnormality hospitals showed that 3 per cent of the children had definitely been rendered mentally handicapped as a consequence of violent abuse, and that a possible maximum total of 11 per cent might have been thus rendered mentally handicapped. In 24 per cent of the children, neglect was considered to be a contributory factor in reducing intellectual potential.

Impairment of intellect from abuse and neglect, especially in those with ‘vulnerable’ brains due to pre-existing abnormality, may be much commoner in children than is generally realized.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 131 , Issue 5 , November 1977 , pp. 458 - 467
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1977 

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