Mental retardation is characterized by which of the following?

Mental retardation, now more commonly referred to as intellectual disability, is characterized primarily by an IQ score below 70 to 75, along with limitations in adaptive skills. This means that individuals with this condition not only have lower cognitive functioning but also face challenges in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions.

The definition emphasizes the importance of both cognitive ability and practical functioning in various areas of life. The adaptive skill limitations may include difficulties in managing personal finances, following social norms, or performing tasks required for independent living, making the combination of a low IQ and functional difficulties crucial for diagnosis.

In contrast to other options, high IQ with social limitations might refer to conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, which is not characterized by low cognitive functioning. Extreme emotions and mood swings align more with mood disorders, while a persistent fear of social situations points towards anxiety disorders, none of which define mental retardation. Thus, the focus on both low IQ and adaptive skill deficiencies distinctly identifies the characteristic features of this condition.