Utility of reiss screen in identifying psychiatric problems in persons with mental retardation

Background: Almost all psychiatric disorders found in general population can also be found in mental retardation (MR). Identification of the psychiatric problems in MR is a difficult process, primarily due to inherent communication and cognitive deficits wherein comes the role of psychological scales. There are few scales of which Reiss screen for maladaptive behaviors (RSMB) is popularly used in the West. Nevertheless, the utility of RSMB is less known in India. Aim: In this context, the present study was designed to study the diagnostic utility of RSM. Materials and Methods: Fifty six persons with ICD-10 diagnosis of MR and psychiatric diagnoses or behavioral disorders were selected through purposive sampling. RSMB was used to screen psychiatric problems and the findings were contrasted with that of the ICD-10 diagnoses. Results and Conclusion: RSMB could differentiate well between those with and without psychiatric diagnoses. The diagnostic efficiency statistics were found to be satisfactory. Therefore, RSMB can be used in Indian settings without any cultural limitations.