Z81.0: Family history of mental retardation

Family history of mental retardation, denoted by the ICD-10 code Z81.0, refers to a scenario where mental retardation or intellectual disability has occurred in immediate or extended family members. Mental retardation, or intellectual disability, is a term for a variety of conditions that cause significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors. It's typically characterized by below average intellectual function (IQ below 70), and a difficulty in understanding new or complex information and in learning and applying new skills. These limitations cause difficulties with daily tasks like communicating, self-care, and social participation. This family history risk can be important for doctors to know as some causes of mental retardation are genetic and could possibly be passed down to future generations. When a family has a history of mental retardation, it can possibly lead to an increased risk in the offspring, though the certainty varies depending on the specific genetic condition.