A review of pharmacological agents for self-injurious behavior

1. The clinical literature regarding the effects of various psychotropic agents on self-injurious behavior is reviewed. Anecdotal reports, open trials and controlled studies are each reviewed. 2. The absence of controlled studies and the failure to distinguish self-injurious behaviors from other forms of aggression are highlighted. 3. However, the review does raise the possibility that a wide range of agents may be useful for treating self-injurious behaviors and these appear to be similar to the agents used to treat other forms of aggression.