Emotional care of the mentally handicapped.

Emotional care of the mentally handicapped is complex. The author of this paper addresses issues of development of handicapped persons, and how these persons differ from those of average intelligence. She considers the unique circumstances of the family of the handicapped person and reviews factors relevant to the assessment of an emotional problem in a person so handicapped. She also outlines treatment modalities found effective for handling emotional concerns in this population. The family physician is encouraged to use an eclectic approach. A creative and accepting attitude towards the mental handicap can be the physician's greatest asset in assisting with emotional care of this group of people.