naloxone and Intellectual-Disability

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a serious and moderately prevalent problem behavior among developmentally disabled persons, and it frequently leads to treatment with psychotropic medication. The empirical literature relating to the efficacy of pharmacological intervention is comprehensively reviewed. The rationales for using some "newer" agents, such as serotonin reuptake blockers, opiate blockers, and beta-adrenergic blockers are described. In general there are insufficient data to draw conclusions about specific agents. Evidence for a possible role in managing SIB is strongest for thioridazine, lithium carbonate, and the opiate antagonists. However, further research is needed to define the specific indications, if any, for each of these. Impediments to past research are discussed, possible refinements are offered for future research, and recommendations for treatment are offered.

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Antidepressive Agents; Antipsychotic Agents; Female; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Lithium Carbonate; Male; Naloxone; Naltrexone; Receptors, Dopamine; Self-Injurious Behavior; Treatment Outcome

Three doses of Naloxone (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg.) were compared to treatment with saline in a double-blind crossover design. Neither of the two female subjects altered their rate of self-injurious behavior as a result of treatment. The present results suggest that naloxone does not reduce self-injurious behavior in all individuals.

Topics: Adult; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Middle Aged; Naloxone; Self Mutilation

The neuroendocrinological examinations were performed in mentally retarded 7-year-old boy with severe self-injurious behavior (SIB). The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactine responses to TRH showed lower in the basal and peak levels compared with those in the age matched control group. It is suggested that there may be an enhanced dopaminergic activity. The effects of naloxone, clomipramine and sulpiride on the frequency of SIB were investigated in this case. The frequency of SIB was reduced by sulpiride; a dopamine antagonist. These data suggest dopaminergic supersensitivity and hypothalamic dysregulation as a mechanism underlying SIB.

Topics: Child; Clomipramine; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Male; Naloxone; Pituitary Function Tests; Self-Injurious Behavior; Sulpiride

The reversal of a state of impaired consciousness in a known epileptic following a period of prolonged post-ictal unconsciousness (with flexor response to nociceptive stimuli) was achieved by use of 0.4 mg naloxone intravenously. This decision was based on the similarity of the individuals clinical presentation to that seen in cases of opiate overdose. The implications of this dramatic clinical intervention are discussed.

Topics: Adult; Arousal; Cerebral Palsy; Endorphins; Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Male; Naloxone; Neurologic Examination; Unconsciousness

Topics: Child; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Male; Naloxone; Self Mutilation

The opiate antagonist naloxone was effective in reducing self-abusive behavior in two mentally retarded clients with an extensive history of such behavior. Three doses of naloxone (0.1, 0.2, 0.4 mg) were compared with a vehicle solution in a double-blind, crossover design. Naloxone greatly attenuated self-abusive episodes in one client and eliminated them entirely in the second client. In addition, use of self-restraining behavior by one client was reduced. The findings suggested that some clients with self-injurious behavior may have disturbances of the endogenous opiate system. Maintenance of self-abuse by tonically elevated pain threshold and/or by the putative addictive characteristics of such behavior was discussed.

Topics: Adult; Double-Blind Method; Endorphins; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Male; Naloxone; Pain; Self Mutilation; Sensory Thresholds

Topics: Ataxia; Brain; Brain Chemistry; Brain Diseases; Cerebrospinal Fluid; Diagnosis, Differential; Endorphins; Enkephalins; Humans; Infant; Injections, Intravenous; Intellectual Disability; Male; Morphine; Naloxone; Necrosis; Spinal Cord Diseases; Syndrome