[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1179-E1180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON MENTAL HEALTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 8, 1999

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, the following speech delivered at the 
White House Conference on Mental Health by the President of the Special 
Olympics, Mrs. Shriver, does an excellent job in describing the 
challenges faced by individuals that suffer from both psychiatric 
disorders and mental retardation.
  I urge my colleagues to take the time to read this particularly 
informative speech.

   Mrs. Shriver's Statement for the White House Conference on Mental 
                                 Health

       It has been known for at least the last 25 years that 
     individuals with mental retardation suffer from the full 
     spectrum of psychiatric disorders--depression, schizophrenia, 
     anxiety states and more. In fact, it is now estimated that as 
     many as 30% of the individuals with mental retardation also 
     have a coexisting mental illness, yet they remain one of the 
     most underserved populations in the United States. These 
     undiagnosed and untreated disorders prevent millions of 
     people with mental retardation from leading productive lives.
       Clinicians tell me that often emotional or aggressive 
     outbursts are labeled normal behaviors for those with mental 
     retardation

[[Page E1180]]

     when serious depression or other psychiatric disorders may be 
     present. Too often in these situations psychotropic medicines 
     in large doses may be administered with unnecessary toxic 
     side affects.
       Let me tell one short story that exemplifies this 
     unfortunate situation. A forty-year-old woman with moderate 
     mental retardation in an institution in a state not far from 
     here was very heavily sedated because of severe aggressive 
     behavior. Because of one well-trained clinician this woman's 
     life was completely turned around. he diagnosed her as having 
     a bi-polar affective disorder and treated here with Lithium. 
     Shortly thereafter, she returned to here community, obtained 
     a job and is now a productive member of society in contact 
     with family and friends.
       Another unfortunate example is when a non-retarded child is 
     hyperactive he is often diagnosed as having an attention 
     deficit disorder and treated properly. but when a child with 
     mental retardation is hyperactive that behavior is typically 
     attributed to his mental retardation and not adequately 
     diagnosed or treated. We do know that children with attention 
     deficit were very very rarely included into ``Federal 
     studies'' on attention deficit disorder.
       What can we do to improve these dreadful situation?
       First, all psychiatric training should include exposure to 
     children and adults with mental retardation and the American 
     Board of Psychiatry and Neurology should require such 
     experiences for certification.
       Secondly, most of us agree that the earlier treatment is 
     started, the more effective it is. Therefore, when a young 
     child with mental retardation attends primary grades and acts 
     up that shouldn't be automatically attributed to his mental 
     retardation. The child should be referred to the school 
     psychologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
       To accomplish all these goals, basic and clinical research 
     that can benefit people with mental retardation and mental 
     illness should be a priority at the National Institute of 
     Mental Health working cooperatively with the National 
     Institute of Child Health and Human Development and mentally 
     retarded must be included in new research.
       Finally, we must remember that persons with mental 
     retardation are finding their own voice, telling their own 
     stories, reminding the world that they are not to be pitied 
     nor neglected, but rather individuals with ideas and feelings 
     and dreams for their future. They stand with us today 
     announcing their abilities and proclaiming that their time 
     has come. From the Special Olympics Movement I have seen over 
     and over again their promise, their potential and their 
     unbridled human spirit.
       I am confident that this conference and Mrs. Gore's 
     leadership will forcefully move us into the next millennium 
     where the mental health needs of those with mental 
     retardation will be fully studied and addressed. I look 
     forward to hearing others' thoughts and comments on this 
     critical issue.
       I thank you for this opportunity to talk on behalf of these 
     wonderful human beings.

     

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