Related Experiment Videos
Effects of naloxone on self-injurious behavior: a case study
Applied Research in Mental Retardation
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Naloxone did not change head banging rates in a child but may reduce its intensity. Further research into endorphin therapy for self-injurious behavior is suggested.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is a significant concern in individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, has been investigated for its potential to modulate behavior.
Observation:
- A clinical trial assessed naloxone's efficacy in treating head banging in an 8-year-old boy with severe intellectual disability.
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled design compared two naloxone dosages against a saline placebo.
Findings:
- No statistically significant reduction in the rate of head banging was observed with naloxone compared to baseline or placebo.
- Clinicians noted a qualitative decrease in the intensity of the head banging episodes.
Implications:
- These findings suggest that while naloxone may not be effective in reducing the frequency of head banging, it might influence the severity.
- The study discusses potential implications for beta-endorphin therapy as a future avenue for treating self-injurious behavior.