A case report of naltrexone treatment of self-injury and social withdrawal in autism.
The endogenous opiate release theory of self-injurious behavior (SIB) was investigated through double-blind placebo-controlled administration of naltrexone hydrochloride (Trexan) to a 14-year-old autistic and mentally retarded male for treatment of severe SIB. Results yielded a marked decrease in SIB during two phases of active drug treatment, though SIB did not revert to originally observed placebo levels during a second placebo phase. An increase in social relatedness also was observed during phases of active drug treatment. Opiate theories of self-injury and the possible interrelationship of self-injury with pituitary-adrenal arousal and with social relatedness are discussed.
Brown University Program in Medicine, Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital, East Providence, Rhode Island 02915.
A S
AS
Walters
R P
RP
Barrett
C
C
Feinstein
A
A
Mercurio
W T
WT
Hole
D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior / Q000187:drug effects
D009271:Naltrexone