title: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist against severe aggression in autism.
abstract: Aggression in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents an important therapeutic challenge. Conventional treatment appears to be inadequate in a number of cases. The occurrence of severe aggressive symptoms since the inception of adolescence in a male patient with ASD suggested a hormonal influence by androgens. Conventional treatment with antipsychotic and antiepileptic drugs and benzodiazepines was ineffective. A subcutaneous long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH agonist) injection was given on a monthly basis resulting in a substantial improvement in his aggressive behaviour and renewed socialisation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obsterics and Gynaecology, Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Robin M F
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: van der Weiden
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Frans M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Helmerhorst
authors.affiliation: The Biological Psychiatry Research Group, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
authors.forename: Tomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Eriksson