A pilot study of nadolol for overt aggression in developmentally delayed individuals.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this preliminary pilot study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of open-label nadolol as an adjunctive pharmacological treatment for aggression and/or inattention/overactivity in a developmentally delayed child, adolescent, and young adult population.

METHOD: Twelve subjects enrolled and completed (mean age 13.8 years, range 9 through 24) a 5-month, open, prospective protocol of nadolol (mean dose 109 mg, range 30 through 220 mg) with systematic baseline and outcome evaluations and weekly clinical assessment.

RESULTS

All subjects were developmentally delayed and most were cognitively delayed. Ten subjects (83%) showed clinical improvement while receiving nadolol. Significant improvements were noted on observer-rated overt categorical aggression, severity of illness, and global impressions of improvement. No significant effects were found for inattention/overactivity. Nadolol was well tolerated, with few side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Overt categorical aggression presenting in developmentally delayed children, adolescents, and young adults may respond to nadolol treatment.