Mental retardation: a review of the past 10 years. Part II.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature over the past decade on mental retardation, particularly with respect to genetics and behavioral phenotypes.

METHOD: A computerized search was performed for articles published in the past decade, and selected papers were highlighted.

RESULTS: The study of mental retardation has benefited considerably by advances in medicine generally, and by developments in molecular neurobiology in particular. These advances in genetics have led to new insights regarding the causes of mental retardation, as well as a growing appreciation of behavioral phenotypes associated with some mental retardation syndromes.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the study of developmental disorders has advanced significantly over the past decade, considerable work remains. Mental retardation should remain the model for the utility of the biopsychosocial approach in medicine.