NALTREXONE AND SELF-INJURIOUS-BEHAVIOR - A RETROSPECTIVE POPULATION STUDY

The results of studies of the opiate antagonist naltrexone (NLTX) in t he treatment of self-injurious behavior (SIB) in mentally retarded peo ple have been equivocal. They have relied on small patient samples in short-term trials with varying degrees of scientific rigor. Nor has th e clinical efficacy of NLTX for SIB been tested against its wider appl ication in nonresearch settings. The present study is a retrospective, long-term study of the clinical use of NLTX for SIB, drawn from clini cal experience in the entire population of the state schools of Texas (population = 8,000). More than 50% of the 56 SIB individuals treated with NLTX were maintained on the drug by virtue of clinical benefit pe rceived by treating professionals; 25% of the 56 individuals could be classified as unequivocal responders based upon strict objective respo nse criteria. Variables associated with positive response were level o f disability and lack of concurrent aggression. Unexpectedly, all of t he objective responders displayed a gradual and continuous decrease in SIB over time, even after 3 years of treatment.