Epidemiology and Diagnosis of Slow Learners (Borderline Intellectual Functioning)

So-Yeon Lee; Keun-Ah Cheon

doi:10.5765/jkacap.240010

Epidemiology and Diagnosis of Slow Learners (Borderline Intellectual Functioning)

Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak. 2024 Jul 1;35(3):175-180. doi: 10.5765/jkacap.240010.

Authors

So-Yeon Lee^{1

2}, Keun-Ah Cheon^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
² Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

The definitions of "slow learners" and "borderline intellectual functioning (BIF)" have not reached a consensus and have continually evolved in terminology. The criteria for diagnosing BIF include the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient, adaptive functioning, and onset of symptoms from the developmental period; however, specific standards have not been provided. Until the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV, a range for the Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient was provided, but due to its limitations in reflecting the actual functioning of individuals with BIF, this criterion was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5. The absence of specific diagnostic criteria complicates the identification of individuals with BIF, highlighting the need for a more precise classification and definition.

Keywords: Adaptive functioning; Borderline intellectual functioning; Slow learner.