Can you imagine doctors referring to patients as idiots, morons, or imbeciles? And, doing so not because of disliking their patients but as actual diagnostic labels?
It is difficult to conceive, but just a few decades ago the use of these particular terms was completely acceptable. Each was used to describe individuals with varying degrees of mental retardation (MR).
In my work with some older individuals with developmental disabilities, I have had the opportunity to review medical records from 50-60 years ago. (I know it’s difficult to believe, but some records that old still exist!) It is a surreal experience to see these terms used as casually as “depression” or “diabetes” is used in charts today. Yes, that’s correct, progress notes began with phrases such as, “This 18 year-old female moron,” or “This 22 year-old male imbecile.”
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