Oligophrenia: A Review of Definition, History, and Characteristics
Introduction
Oligophrenia is a term used to describe a condition of intellectual disability and impaired cognitive functioning. The term literally translates to “small mentality” and was first used in 1845 by German psychiatrist Johann Christian Reil. This condition is characterized by a wide range of intellectual impairments, including impaired language development, difficulty with abstract thinking, and an inability to learn new skills or tasks. This review will provide an overview of the definition, history, and characteristics of oligophrenia.
Definition
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines intellectual disability as “a condition of arrested or incomplete development of the mind, which is especially characterized by impairment of skills related to everyday activities and interaction with others.” This definition is further specified by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which defines intellectual disability as “significantly sub-average intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with related limitations in two or more of the following applicable adaptive skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self-direction, functional academic skills, work, leisure, health, and safety.” Oligophrenia is a specific type of intellectual disability that is characterized by significant impairments in cognitive functioning, including language development, abstract thinking, and learning new skills or tasks.
History
The term oligophrenia was first used by German psychiatrist Johann Christian Reil in 1845 to describe a condition of intellectual disability. Reil believed that the cause of oligophrenia was an organic lesion in the brain, and he proposed that the condition could be treated by stimulating the affected areas. Reil’s theories on the cause and treatment of oligophrenia were later disproven by other scientists, who argued that the condition was caused by environmental factors rather than physical defects. Since then, the term oligophrenia has been used to describe a wide range of intellectual impairments.
Characteristics
The specific characteristics of oligophrenia vary from person to person, but may include impaired language development, difficulty with abstract thinking, and an inability to learn new skills or tasks. People with oligophrenia may also struggle with memory, problem-solving, and social skills. Furthermore, these individuals may have difficulty understanding abstract concepts and may be easily frustrated or overwhelmed by challenging tasks.
Conclusion
Oligophrenia is a condition of intellectual disability and impaired cognitive functioning that is characterized by a wide range of impairments. The specific characteristics of oligophrenia vary from person to person, but may include impaired language development, difficulty with abstract thinking, and an inability to learn new skills or tasks. Although the cause of oligophrenia is still debated, it is widely accepted that the condition is caused by environmental factors rather than physical defects.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
World Health Organization. (2015). Mental health: Intellectual disabilities. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/mental_health/intellectual_disabilities/en/
Kessler, S. (2002). Johann Christian Reil (1759-1813) and the concept of oligophrenia. Journal of the History of the Neurosciences, 11(3), 246-256. doi:10.1076/jhin.11.3.246.2245.