Self-injurious behavior is decreased by cyproterone acetate in adult male rhesus (Macaca mulatta) (1999)

Eaton, G. G., Worlein, J. M., Kelley, S. T. et al.

Abstract

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) presents a serious problem in laboratory macaques that cannot be socially housed forscientific reasons and among institutionalized children and adults where it is often associated with different forms ofbrain dysfunction. We have experienced limited success in reducing SIB in macaques by enhancing theirenvironment with enrichment devices. Psychotropic drugs also help, but problems are associated with their use.Because sexual and aggressive behavioral problems in men have been treated with progestational drugs, we testedthe efficacy of cyproterone acetate (CA, 5-10 mg/kg/week) on reducing SIB in 8 singly housed, adult male rhesusmacaques. .. Thus, CA was a partially effective treatment (3 months).