Self-injurious Behaviour in Retarded Children: Clinical Phenomena and Biological Mechanisms

Self-injurious behaviour (SIB) is a frequently occurring and serious problem in autistic and non-autistic retarded children. This paper first summarizes clinical knowledge on SIB. Attention is paid to the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and Tourette's syndrome as examples of clinical syndromes that are particularly associated with SIB. Then animal models are reviewed that suggest the involvement of dopaminergic, opioidergic and serotonergic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of SIB. The putative biochemical models of SIB in humans are discussed and pharmacological interventions are briefly outlined.