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Behavior Medications




Question

A young man with CdLS (age 14 and 56 lbs. has a dual diagnosis of CdLS and autism. He is aggressive toward others and self-injurious. Caregiver reports little success with Buspar, Paxcil or Tegretol. I am unsure of dosages, amount of time on each medication. Behavior problems are worsening.


Is there another medication that the family should try? Risperdal? Naltrexone?



Answer of our experts

My first recommended drugs for CdLS are Elavil and Clonidine. Naltrexone is really a long-term drug, but it may be worth a try. Risperidone is not a bad choice, but start at a very low dose.



TG/TK 7-13-2010

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Recommendation(s)

Self-injurious and aggressive behaviour

R54
To identify the cause of self-injurious behaviour in individuals with CdLS, medical assessment, specifically looking for sources of pain, should be followed by behavioural assessment of self-restraint then functional analysis.
R55
Treatment of self-injurious behaviour should include both medical and behavioural strategies.

Recommendation(s)

Social functioning including ASDs

R56
A clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) should be considered in all individuals with CdLS throughout life, taking into account atypical presentations.
R57
R57: In addition to standardised ASD diagnostic tools, fine-grained observations should be carried out to accurately define the profile of social functioning in an individual with CdLS.
R58
ASD-specific interventions should be considered in all individuals with CdLS in combination with approaches that consider the broader social functioning profile of the syndrome.

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