Dietary increase in serotonin reduces self-injurious behaviour in a Down's syndrome adult.
A 26-year-old profoundly mentally handicapped woman with Down's syndrome and severe self-injurious behaviour was treated by dietary means. Treatment consisted of regular institutional entrees, supplemented with serotonin-containing foods, and modified to ensure dietary sources of potassium each intake and low protein relative to carbohydrate. Dramatic benefit was evident the first day and, after 6 months self-hitting was still close to 90% lower than baseline rates. Relevant literature was discussed regarding why a serotonergic approach was chosen for reducing self-injury.
Gedye
A
A
Provincial Facility for Mentally Handicapped Adults, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.
D000328:Adult; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D012701:Serotonin