Aggression, agitation and self-injurious behaviour

Aggression, agitation and self-injurious behaviour in people with fragile X syndrome tend to be more common after the onset of puberty, and require behavioural intervention. Aggressive behaviour is almost always associated with underlying anxiety disorder and hyperarousal, and usually follows a triggering event.

Outburst behaviour (including agitation and hyperkinetic movement) in the absence of a known trigger, followed by extreme quiet or drowsiness may be a complex partial seizure; see also Epilepsy and seizure disorders.

For the assessment of challenging behaviour, see Challenging behaviour in people with developmental disability. Although evidence is limited, psychotropic drugs may be used in conjunction with behavioural approaches for people with fragile X syndrome with severe behavioural disturbance (eg behaviour that interferes with functioning or poses a significant threat to the affected individual or others). For the pharmacological management of challenging behaviour, see here.