Clomipramine treatment for self-injurious behavior of individuals with mental retardation: a double-blind comparison with placebo.
The efficacy of the serotonin (5-HT) uptake inhibitor clomipramine in the treatment of self-injurious behavior (SIB) was tested in individuals with severe and profound mental retardation. Six of the 8 subjects who completed a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial exhibited a clinically significant improvement (50% or greater reduction from placebo) in the frequency of SIB. Clomipramine treatment was also associated with improvement in SIB intensity, frequency of stereotypy and compulsions, teacher ratings of stereotypy and social withdrawal, and frequency of staff intervention required for problem behaviors. Adverse effects (seizure and tachycardia/agitation) occurred in 2 of the 8 subjects. These results represent the first controlled trial of a 5-HT uptake inhibitor in the treatment of SIB in mental retardation.
Lewis
M H
MH
Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0256, USA.
Bodfish
J W
JW
Powell
S B
SB
Parker
D E
DE
Golden
R N
RN
D000328:Adult; D002997:Clomipramine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002997:Clomipramine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors