Effects of zuclopenthixol on aggressive disruptive behavior in adults with mental retardation--a 2-year follow-up on a withdrawal study.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

People with mental retardation often display aggressive behavior against themselves or others making care within institutions or foster families difficult. Due to a lack of viable alternatives, antipsychotics of the first and second generations are often used for long-term treatment despite the fact that only data about short-term treatment exist.

METHODS:

A short-time withdrawal trial of 12 weeks (n = 39) was extended at open label to 2 years. 31 patients received zuclopenthixol after the end of the withdrawal and were examined using the same instruments as in the withdrawal period (DAS, MOAS, CGI).

RESULTS:

Patients still treated with zuclopenthixol after 2 years (n = 21) benefitted, compared to the drop-outs (n = 10). Analyses of time trends revealed an early effect of zuclopenthixol which could not be enhanced afterwards.

DISCUSSION:

Zuclopenthixol proved to be safe and effective to keep a lower rate of aggressive behavior in adults with mental retardation also over a longer period of time.

• Authors: F Hässler, T Glaser, O Reis
• Journal: Pharmacopsychiatry (Pharmacopsychiatry) Vol. 44 Issue 7 Pg. 339-43 (Nov 2011) ISSN: 1439-0795 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 21993867 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Chemical References

• Antipsychotic Agents
• Clopenthixol

Topics

• Adult
• Aggression (psychology)
• Antipsychotic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders (drug therapy, psychology)
• Clopenthixol (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Endpoint Determination
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Intellectual Disability (psychology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult