TREATMENT OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED. THE ROLE OF THE LOCAL PHYSICIAN.
Misconceptions and failure to keep abreast of current knowledge handicap the family physician in treating mentally retarded persons. Also, physicians in general apparently would rather treat acute than chronic conditions. Multiple causes of mental retardation indicate the condition is a symptom, not a disease entity. Every patient can be helped in some degree. The treatment must always be carried out under medical supervision, whether educational, habilitational, psychological or purely the giving of medicine. Particularly should the physician be concerned with prenatal care, metabolic disorders, increasing numbers of the "battered child syndrome," genetic counseling, psychotherapy and counseling for parent as well as child. The physician must be aware of the gaps in comprehensive services to the retardate and assist in the closing of them.