Serotonergic treatment for aggression in a Down's syndrome adult showing signs of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Sudden-onset, unprovoked aggression has typically been difficult to reduce or eliminate in persons with mental handicaps or dementia. Several medications have been reported in the literature with varying success, though some risk serious side effects. This study tested the effectiveness of a low dose antidepressant (trazodone) with a serotonin-enhancing diet to reduce aggression while not risking serious side effects. Aggression decreased by 96% in a mentally handicapped adult with Down's syndrome showing signs of Alzheimer-type dementia. The benefit was robustly demonstrated using an on-off-on-again design with detailed recording for nearly 4 months.