PAROXETINE TREATMENT OF AGGRESSION AND SELF-INJURY IN PERSONS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION

An open, prospective assessment of the treatment of severe aggression and self-injurious behavior (SIE) with paroxetine, a serotonin re-upta ke inhibitor, in 15 institutionalized persons with mental retardation was undertaken. Frequency and severity of aggression and SIE were char ted by trained staff members. Only aggression severity was reduced ove r the entire 4-month follow-up period. Within the limits of an open tr ial, this effect was significant at one month but did not remain signi ficant subsequently. The apparent diminution of effectiveness after 4 weeks of treatment may suggest adaptive changes warranting further stu dy.