[Possibilities and limits of treatment of aggressive behavior in patients with mental retardation with risperidone].
Despite definite indication for psychopharmacologic intervention, severe and persistent symptoms of aggressive and self-injurious behaviour still remain a therapeutic challenge. As recent research has demonstrated, not only the dopaminergic and serotonergic but also the endogenous opiate system plays a role in the pathogenesis of self-injurious behaviour. Nevertheless, the efficacy of classical neuroleptics as well as opiate antagonists is questioned. In open and controlled studies, the administration of the atypical neuroleptic risperidone (a serotonin 2A-dopamine D2 antagonist) was associated with a long-term effect in reducing self-injuries. In our clinical trial, 20 mentally retarded adults presenting with severe self-injurious and aggressive behaviour were administered risperidone over a follow-up period of 35 months. Clinical efficacy was measured with the Disability Assessment Schedule (DAS), conducted in a home for people with mental retardation. In 17 patients, a significant reduction in self-injurious behaviour is shown. Besides, there was a significant overall clinical improvement in behaviour.
Hässler
F
F
Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendneuropsychiatrie/-psychotherapie, Universität Rostock.
Buchmann
J
J
Bohne
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000523:psychology; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018967:Risperidone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018967:Risperidone