CLOMIPRAMINE TREATMENT FOR STEREOTYPY AND RELATED REPETITIVE MOVEMENT-DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION

The efficacy of the serotonin uptake inhibitor clomipramine in the tre atment of stereotyped and related repetitive behavior disorders was te sted in individuals with severe and profound mental retardation. A dou ble-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of clomipramine was asso ciated with significant reductions in the frequency and intensity of s tereotyped behavior and teacher ratings of stereotypy, hyperactivity, and irritability as well as increased adaptive engagement and decrease d staff intervention for nontargeted behavior problems. Adverse effect s occurred in 3 of the 10 subjects. Of the 7 subjects who tolerated th e drug, 6 exhibited a clinically significant improvement in one or mor e repetitive behaviors. Our results provide support for the hypothesis that clomipramine is effective in treating stereotyped and related be haviors associated with mental retardation.