What is a mental disability?

Mental disability is not a disease. Mental disability is first of all an intellectual impairment, not an impairment of other abilities, such as ability to be happy or to feel good. People with intellectual disability need assistance and support. It is more difficult for them to gain new knowledge or to use their skills in an unfamiliar situations.

Through support and teaching, many mentally disabled people can learn to live a life that is in comformity with their needs and does not differ from the life of people who do not have disability.

A mental disability constrains the activity of a person only partially. Mentally disabled people are not a group of similar persons, they are individuals with personal needs, problems and opportunities.

What are the causes of mental disability?

Mental disability has varios causes. It may be hereditary or a result of a lack of oxygen to the brain of a child during the birth. It may be caued by an accident or an illness. About 30% of the cases can't be explained. 2,4% of people have intellectual disability.

Are mental disability and mental disorder the same?

Mental disability is not a disease and cannot be cured with medicines. Mental disorder is a completely different special need. While a mentally disabled person needs support in education and social sphere, a person with a mental disorder needs treatment. A mentally disabled person may also have a mental or any other disorder.