Self-injurious behavior associated with clonidine withdrawal in a child with Tourette's disorder.
A 7-year-old boy with Tourette's disorder, atypical pervasive developmental disorder, borderline mental retardation, and a history of self-injurious behavior was treated for 21 months with clonidine transdermal patches at doses ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 mg weekly. When withdrawn from clonidine over 4 weeks to assess the need for continued therapy, the patient developed multiple self-destructive behaviors involving the theme of suffocation. The importance of careful clinical monitoring of the behavior of patients undergoing withdrawal from prolonged treatment with high doses of clonidine is emphasized.
Dillon
J E
JE
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor 48109-0706.
D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D003000:Clonidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology; D005879:Tourette Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics
D003000:Clonidine