Mental Subnormality

Abstract

IN the last decade there has been so much activity in the field of mental subnormality that any review will have to be selective and concentrate on areas that are important for demonstrating etiology so that preventive measures can be applied, for improving function by specific therapy in persons already affected and for indicating directions for further research or for programs of action in treatment or management.A joint expert committee of the World Health Organization¹ defines mental subnormality as incomplete or insufficient general development of the mental capacities. It separates subnormality into its two major components, retardation and deficiency. . . .