title: [Autoaggressive behavior of the mentally retarded--results of a survey].
abstract: An initial mail survey in Sweden has shown that, roughly, at least 4 percent of all mentally retarded persons display self-abusive behaviour. Those concerned usually are severely or profoundly mentally retarded, and the autoaggressive behaviour occurs very frequently, in most instances daily. Almost three quarters of self-abusing retarded persons live in institutional settings, such as special hospitals or residential homes for the mentally retarded. The age distribution found in the self-abusing population deviates substantially from the expected distribution. Life expectancy seems reduced. Gender-specific differences have not been found. A social-psychological care approach (empathy, improved life conditions, meaningful activities, systematic behavioural modification) may have an alleviating, or even remedial, influence.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden
vernacular_title: Autoaggressives Verhalten bei geistig Behinderten--Ergebnisse einer Umfrage.