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Emotional retardation is a developmental disorder characterized by a lack of subtle or complex emotions and reduced ability to experience empathic emotions. It can be symptomatic of an underlying mental or physiological condition and can cause difficulty in social interactions. It is generally a symptom of other disorders and can be caused by extreme physical or emotional trauma. With professional help, patients can learn to manage their condition and lead successful lives.
Emotional retardation refers to the slowed or stagnant development of emotions. Several symptoms characterize this type of developmental disorder, including a lack of subtle or complex emotions and a reduced ability or inability to experience empathic emotions. Because it is often symptomatic of an underlying mental or physiological condition, careful evaluation by a psychologist or neurologist is often required if symptoms occur.
People with emotional retardation generally have difficulty feeling emotions or expressing their emotions. Often, developmental delay in those with this condition makes it difficult or impossible for patients to learn and mature through emotional experiences, leading to a stagnant level of emotional growth. Patients may be unable to fully explain, experience, or express what some psychologists call “subtle” or “complex” emotions, such as compassion or concern.
In some cases, patients do not fully develop the ability to notice and respond to social cues and may have difficulty interacting in group or one-on-one conversations. This aspect can be concomitant with social learning disorders, such as autism, which can make it difficult for some patients to make friends or establish relationships. Other symptoms that may be present with emotional retardation include mood swings, high anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and self-esteem or body image disturbances.
Emotional retardation is generally a symptom, rather than a disorder in and of itself. It can be characteristic of dozens of different mental disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and personality disorders. It can come in concert with mental or physical developmental disorders, or it can exist mostly on its own. Because the range of possible causes is so vast, it can be very difficult to identify the responsible cause or factors and nearly impossible without professional help. Even with the help of psychologists and neurologists, patients can go through a long diagnostic period before the exact cause can be determined, and even then a complete explanation cannot be guaranteed.
In addition to mental and emotional disorders, other possible causes of emotional development problems include extreme physical or emotional trauma. Patients who experience a traumatic event, such as sexual abuse, a serious accident, or a life-threatening situation, may develop emotional disturbances which may present as emotional retardation. While a traumatic origin may be more common in emotional disturbances seen in children and adolescents, trauma can also cause serious emotional problems for adults. Both children and adults who show symptoms of emotional retardation following a trauma may benefit from psychological evaluation and treatment.
While emotional development problems can cause significant life challenges for both patients and their families, the situation is often far from hopeless. Once correctly diagnosed, a patient can begin to learn more about the management and outlook of her condition, working with doctors and therapists to develop management strategies. Patients with emotional retardation often have the ability to lead full, successful, and happy lives, even if symptoms persist.
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