Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in intellectual disability

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.