RODENT MODELS OF MENTAL RETARDATION: SELF-INJURY, ABERRANT BEHAVIOR, AND STRESS.

This paper reviews the research on three animal models related to self-injurious behavior (SIB), stereotypy, and aggression and their susceptibility to stress, These studies support the importance of stress and differences in organic dysfunction in the etiology, maintenance, and topography of SIB and their relationship to stereotypy and aggression. Several organic risk factors associated with mental retardation also increase the susceptibility to manifestation of SIB and related behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]