Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2024 Jul 1;35(3):181-187.
doi: 10.5765/jkacap.240012.

Exploring the Clinical Characteristics and Comorbid Disorders of Borderline Intellectual Functioning

Minae Kim  1 , Keun-Ah Cheon  2   3
Affiliations

Exploring the Clinical Characteristics and Comorbid Disorders of Borderline Intellectual Functioning

Minae Kim et al. J Korean Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. .

Abstract

Borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) is characterized by cognitive impairment and deficits in adaptive functioning. Despite affecting a significant proportion of the population, BIF still remains underdiagnosed and poorly understood. In addition to cognitive impairments across a range of domains, individuals with BIF face a greater risk of academic failure and often require special educational support. They suffer from emotional problems, such as difficulties with emotional awareness, anxiety, depressed mood, and unhappiness. Individuals with BIF are more likely to have an impairment of social and adaptive functioning. Furthermore, individuals with BIF are at higher risk of physical and mental health problems, often receive inadequate treatment, and have a poorer prognosis. This review aims to enhance the understanding of clinicians, educators, and policymakers by providing an overview of the characteristics of BIF and its associated challenges, ultimately contributing to the improvement of support systems for individuals with BIF.

Keywords: Borderline intellectual functioning; Clinical characteristics; Comorbidity; Slow learners.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Characteristics of borderline intellectual functioning.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Peltopuro M, Ahonen T, Kaartinen J, Seppälä H, Närhi V. Borderline intellectual functioning: a systematic literature review. Intellect Dev Disabil. 2014;52:419–443. doi: 10.1352/1934-9556-52.6.419. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Salvador-Carulla L, García-Gutiérrez JC, Ruiz Gutiérrez-Colosía M, Artigas-Pallarès J, García Ibáñez J, González Pérez J, et al. Borderline intellectual functioning: consensus and good practice guidelines. Rev Psiquiatr Salud Ment. 2013;6:109–120. doi: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2012.12.001. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Gigi K, Werbeloff N, Goldberg S, Portuguese S, Reichenberg A, Fruchter E, et al. Borderline intellectual functioning is associated with poor social functioning, increased rates of psychiatric diagnosis and drug use--a cross sectional population based study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2014;24:1793–1797. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.07.016. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Hassiotis A, Strydom A, Hall I, Ali A, Lawrence-Smith G, Meltzer H, et al. Psychiatric morbidity and social functioning among adults with borderline intelligence living in private households. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2008;52(Pt 2):95–106. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2007.01001.x. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Cooter KS, Cooter RB., Jr One size doesn't fit all: slow learners in the reading classroom. Read Teach. 2004;57:680. doi: 10.1117/2.5200402.0003. - DOI