A CASE-REPORT OF NALTREXONE TREATMENT OF SELF-INJURY AND SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL IN AUTISM 1989 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE EASTERN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOC Walters, A. S., Barrett, R. P., Feinstein, C., Mercurio, A., Hole, W. T. PLENUM PUBL CORP. 1990: 169–76

Abstract

The endogenous opiate release theory of self-injurious behavior (SIB) was investigated through double-blind placebo-controlled administration of naltrexone hydrochloride (Trexan) to a 14-year-old autistic and mentally retarded male for treatment of severe SIB. Results yielded a marked decrease in SIB during two phases of active drug treatment, though SIB did not revert to originally observed placebo levels during a second placebo phase. An increase in social relatedness also was observed during phases of active drug treatment. Opiate theories of self-injury and the possible interrelationship of self-injury with pituitary-adrenal arousal and with social relatedness are discussed.

View details for Web of Science ID A1990DE71600002

View details for PubMedID 2189867