Fluoxetine treatment of depression and associated self-injury in two adults with mental retardation.
The use of fluoxetine to treat chronic depression and associated self-injurious behaviour (SIB) in a woman with severe mental retardation and a man with profound mental retardation is reported. In the first case, behavioural monitoring of treatment response revealed a dramatic decrease in SIB and a normalization of the woman's sleep disturbance. In the second case, SIB and the use of mechanical restraint decreased substantially. In both cases, anecdotal reports also indicated a diminution of other depressive symptoms. These cases highlight the need to consider an affective disorder as a cause of SIB in persons with severe and profound developmental disabilities. The behaviour monitoring system proved to be a practical aid in the diagnosis of depression and evaluation of antidepressant treatment in individuals who were incapable of self-report.
Sovner
R
R
Liberty Healthcare Corporation, Belchertown, Massachusetts.
Fox
C J
CJ
Lowry
M J
MJ
Lowry
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012149:Restraint, Physical; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005473:Fluoxetine