The effect of clozapine on impulsive and aggressive behaviour.

Impulsive and aggressive behaviour is often seen among psychiatric patients with schizophrenia, dementia, or mental retardation. The literature on the effect of clozapine on such behaviour states that treatment with clozapine in cases of treatment-resistant schizophrenia and mental retardation is beneficial, as the aggressive and impulsive behaviour becomes markedly less. Only one investigation dealing with the effect of clozapine on aggressive behaviour in demented patients has been carried out. In that study a significant reduction in the behaviour is reported; however, only seven patients were involved. Treatment with clozapine should be considered for aggressive patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia or a mental retardation.