There is considerable evidence linking developmental pathology with seroton
ergic abnormalities. Individuals with mental retardation may be particularl
y susceptible to dysfunction in the serotonin system. The development of mo
re selective drugs that modify serotonergic function appears to have provid
ed an important treatment option for a number of target behaviors, especial
ly those associated with anxiety and depression, in persons with intellectu
al disability. Clinicians treating this population need to be familiar with
the pharmacology of these agents, known collectively as the selective sero
tonin reuptake inhibitors. This article reviews the pharmacokinetics and ph
armacodynamics of these compounds, as well as their potential effects on th
e developing brain. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.