Psychopathology and mental retardation: an Italian epidemiological study using the PIMRA.

The incidence of psychopathology was studied in 176 adult patients with mental retardation through administration of the Psychopathology Instrument for Mentally Retarded Adults (PIMRA). Prevalence of answers relating to anxiety, tendency to live apart and body complaints in the group with mild mental retardation was documented. For people with severe intellectual impairments, mood disturbances with inconsistent behaviours was most prevalent. Implications of the findings are discussed.