Citation

Ruedrich SL, Grush L, Wilson J. Am. J. Ment. Retard. 1990; 95(1): 110-119.

Affiliation

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, American Association on Mental Retardation)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1974768

Abstract

The psychopharmacologic treatment of persons with mental retardation who exhibit aggressive or self-injurious syndromes is varied and controversial. Many psychotropic agents (e.g., antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, lithium, psychostimulants, anticonvulsants, and narcotic antagonists) have been used; currently, none of these have been studied sufficiently to recommend them unequivocally, and most have serious potential side effects. A new group of medications, blockers of the beta-adrenergic function of the sympathetic nervous system, have been postulated to have efficacy in some aggressive or self-injurious persons. This literature was reviewed, a relevant case report presented, and concerns raised regarding premature endorsement of beta-blocking medications before they have been adequately studied.

Language: en