CLOZAPINE RESPONSE AND ADVERSE-EFFECTS IN 9 BRAIN-INJURED PATIENTS

Clozapine was used to treat nine brain-injured patients with psychotic symptoms or outbursts of rage and aggression refractory to other medi cations. Verbal and physical aggression decreased markedly in two pati ents, and one additional patient had a dramatic decrease in bizarre be haviors. Mild improvement occurred in three patients with a decrease i n agitation and frequency of auditory hallucinations. Response was ind eterminate in three patients because of inadequate length of treatment . The incidence of side effects appeared to be higher than expected, w ith seizures occurring in two of nine patients. These case reports ill ustrate that clozapine may be useful in the treatment of psychosis and aggressive behavior after brain injury, despite the occurrence of adv erse effects.