Several systems, including the beta-endorphin and the serotonergic systems, have been implicated in the pathophysiology of treatment-resistant self-injurious behavior and related behaviors, such as stereotypic behaviors. These hypotheses have been supported by the beneficial effects of treating affected individuals with the opiate antagonist naltrexone (for beta-endorphin disorders) and serotonin-modulating compounds (for disorders of the serotonergic system).23,29,30

Adapted from: Sudhalter V. Problem behaviors in individuals with developmental disabilities. In: Devinsky O and Westbrook LE, eds. Epilepsy and Developmental Disabilities. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2001;165–174.
With permission from Elsevier (www.elsevier.com).
Reviewed and revised May 2004 by Steven C. Schachter, MD, epilepsy.com Editorial Board.