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EFFECTS OF NALOXONE AND NALTREXONE ON SELF-INJURY - A DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED ANALYSIS AMERICAN JOURNAL ON MENTAL RETARDATION Barrett, R. P., Feinstein, C., Hole, W. T. 1989; 93 (6): 644-651

Abstract

The effects of naloxone hydrochloride (Narcan) and naltrexone hydrochloride (Trexan) on the pervasive self-injury of a 12-year-old autistic and mentally retarded girl were examined. Using separate multiple schedule (A1/B/B') and withdrawal (A-B-A1B-A1) single-subject experimental designs, we investigated the effects of both opiate antagonists in serial fashion under double-blind, placebo-controlled conditions. Results of the two studies showed that self-injury increased during the naloxone trial, whereas a decrease to near zero rates of self-injury was observed following treatment with naltrexone. The differential effect produced by the two drugs was discussed in terms of drug half-life and the operant conditioning theory of extinction. Follow-up data showing near zero rates of self-injury for 22 months following the conclusion of active treatment with naltrexone indicated that the intervention produced a durable result.

View details for Web of Science ID A1989U440400013

View details for PubMedID 2655671