Treatment of impulsive self- and other-directed aggression with fluoxetine in a man with mild mental retardation

Abstract

Fluoxetine was initiated within a time series design to treat impulsive self- and other-directed aggression (head banging, tearing at fingers, hitting others) in a man with mild mental retardation. Results showed a marked decrease in the frequency of both behaviors. Accompanying symptoms, often associated with a 5-HT hypofunction, also improved. Review of the data revealed an unexpectedly rapid decrease in the target behaviors. This case adds to the literature on the efficiency of fluoxetine in treating severe problem behaviors of individuals with mental retardation.