Autism pharmacotherapy

Jick H, Kaye JA. Epidemiology and possible causes of autism. Pharmacotherapy 2003 23(12) 1524—30. 

To more rigorously address the pharmacotherapy of symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention in PDD, the NIMH-sponsored RUPP Autism Network is conducting a controlled investigation of methylphenidate versus placebo in children and adolescents with PDDs. Nonresponders to methylphenidate will have the opportunity to enter a prospective, open-label trial of guanfacine. 

Carlsson, M.L. (1998) Hypothesis is infantile autism a hypogluta-matergic disorder Relevance of glutamate-serotonin intetactions for pharmacotherapy. / Neural Transm 105 525—535. 

Handen, B.L. (1993) Pharmacotherapy in mental retardation and autism. Sch Psycho Rev 22 162-183. 

Aman, M. and Langworthy, K.S. (2000) Pharmacotherapy for hyperactivity in children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorder / Autism Dev Disord 30 451 59. 

Buitelaar JK, WiUemsen-Swinkels SH (2000) Autism current theories regarding its pathogenesis and implications for rational pharmacotherapy. Paediatr Drugs 2 67-81 Campbell JL, Thomas HM, Gabiielli W, Liskow Bl, Powell BJ (1994) Impact of desipramine or carbamazepine on patient retention in outpatient cocaine treatment preliminary findings. J Addict Dis 13 191-199... 

Bostic JQ, King BH (2005) Autism spectrum disorders emerging pharmacotherapy. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 10 521-536. 

Acosta MT (2004) Pharmacotherapy in autism where to start Drug Discovery Today 9 474. 

Although there is a great unmet need for development of improved pharmacotherapy for autism, as well as for improved evaluation of existing pharmacotherapy, this has proved problematic for a variety of reasons. Symptoms of autism... 

Overall, the status of pharmacotherapy for autism remains disappointing. While a number of agents have been found to be somewhat useful in the treatment of ASD, evidence of efficacy with respect to core symptoms of impaired social interactions and communication is weak. The greatest success has been in treating problems of hyperactivity and irritability. It is notable that with the exception of the stimulants, most of the medications that have been found to be effective are to some extent sedative, raising the question of whether the therapeutic effects that have been observed are in fact specific to autism or simply a consequence of nonspecific sedation. The absence of clear effects on core symptoms means that pharmacology has thus far provided few clues as to the neurochemical basis of ASD. 

CampbeU M (1975) Pharmacotherapy in early infantile autism. Biol Psychiatry 10 399 23. 

In the final chapter, an expert pharmacologist. Dr. Terrell Gibbs presents a comprehensive review of pharmacotherapies in autism. He details their results from clinical trials, their effectiveness, and their role in the treatment of autistic behaviors. Special emphasis is given to the atypical antipsychotic drug risperidone that is frequently effective for ameliorating symptoms of irritability, hyperactivity, social withdrawal, and stereotypic, repetitive behavior in autism. 

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