Abstract
This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of imipramine (3 mg/kg/day) in 10 profoundly retarded residents. Two groups were formulated: one with depressivelike (or affective) symptoms and one with acting-out behaviors. Measures of drug response included ratings of ward behavior using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, interval samples of behavior in the living units, and observations of behavior in a playroom situation. Results indicated that the drug caused behavioral deterioration in the Irritability, Lethargy/social withdrawal, and Hyperactivity dimensions of the rating scale, irrespective of subgroup. In addition, gross motor activity was significantly increased on the wards due to imipramine, and it was found that the affective group became less active and the acting-out group more active during free play. Physical side effects were uncommon. These unexpected adverse behavioral effects were discussed with respect to dosage and diagnostic considerations.
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We are grateful to Dr. D. J. Woods, medical superintendent, and Mr. R. Bovey, nursing supervisor, for actively supporting this study. We also thank T. Towes, H. Harris, L. Kett, A. Hancock, G. Rathe, J. Herbert, C. Campbell, D. Rivers, and M. Whiting for assisting with the behavior ratings and observations. Imipramine (Dumex) was supplied courtesy of W. M. Bamford and Company Ltd. We also thank Mr. A. Gerrard, pharmacist in charge, Auckland Hospital, for giving us access to pharmacy facilities to prepare the capsules, and Dr. Gerald Woollard, Toxicology Department, Auckland Hospital, for conducting the essays of imipramine serum concentrations. This study was supported by a grant from the Medical Research Council of New Zealand to Dr. M. G. Aman.
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Aman, M.G., White, A.J., Vaithianathan, C. et al. Preliminary study of imipramine in profoundly retarded residents. J Autism Dev Disord 16, 263–273 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01531659
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01531659