Effects of naloxone and naltrexone on self-injury: a double-blind, placebo-controlled analysis

Am J Ment Retard. 1989 May;93(6):644-51.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / complications
  • Child
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Conditioning, Operant
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Extinction, Psychological
  • Female
  • Half-Life
  • Humans
  • Naloxone / pharmacokinetics
  • Naloxone / pharmacology*
  • Naltrexone / pharmacokinetics
  • Naltrexone / pharmacology*
  • Reinforcement Schedule
  • Self Mutilation / complications
  • Self Mutilation / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Naloxone
  • Naltrexone