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Self-injurious behaviour and the serotonin link: two case illustrations and theoretical overview

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Syed Hasan Jawed ,
Vallepur HR Krishnan  and
Géraldine Cassidy
Syed Hasan Jawed
Affiliation:
Weston Hospital, Weston-under-Wetherley, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9AJ, England
Géraldine Cassidy
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, England
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Abstract

Self-injurious behaviour (SIB) is one of the challenging behaviours that is exhibited by people with severe learning disabilities. Various current aetiological theories of SIB have failed to provide a feasible model of care for this complex clinical problem. Recent advances in the understanding of serotonin neurotransmitter function may provide a way forward in the management of SIB. Case histories of two people whose SIB responded to antidepressant medication are described. Possible implication of serotonin neurotransmitter function in the causation of SIB is explored and relevant recent literature is reviewed.

Keywords

Mental retardationSelf-injurious behaviourSerotonin neurotransmittersManagement
Type
Brief Reports
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 11 , Issue 4 , December 1994 , pp. 165 - 168
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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