Abstract
Relations between self-injuring behavior (SIB), the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress axis, and response to an opiate antagonist were examined. Subjects were observed in their residential settings, while behavior was recorded. Blood was collected in the morning, evening, and immediately after SIB. Plasma beta-E was uncoupled from ACTH after SIB but not during the morning baseline. A significant number of the subjects (a) reduced their SIB at least 25% at all doses of naltrexone (NTX) and (b) reduced their SIB over 50% for at least one dose of NTX. The lowest dosage of NTX significantly reduced SIB in subjects with baseline levels of beta-E higher than after SIB. Results support previous reports that the HPA axis is disturbed among subjects exhibiting SIB.
Publication types
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Clinical Trial
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Randomized Controlled Trial
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood*
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Adult
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Aged
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Circadian Rhythm / drug effects
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Circadian Rhythm / physiology
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Double-Blind Method
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Female
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Humans
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Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / drug effects
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Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiopathology
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Naloxone / adverse effects
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Naloxone / therapeutic use
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Narcotic Antagonists / adverse effects
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Narcotic Antagonists / therapeutic use
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Pituitary-Adrenal System / drug effects
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Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiopathology
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Pro-Opiomelanocortin / blood
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Self-Injurious Behavior / drug therapy
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Self-Injurious Behavior / physiopathology*
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beta-Endorphin / blood*
Substances
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Narcotic Antagonists
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Naloxone
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beta-Endorphin
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Pro-Opiomelanocortin
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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone