We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY IN ASD - A CHALLENGE THROUGHOUT LIFETIME.
- Authors
MORARU, IOANA
- Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that appears in early childhood and is present throughout lifetime. The most recent epidemiological data published by the CDC in 2018 reports a prevalence of 1 in 59 children aged 8 years. The aetiology of ASD involves numerous genetic and environmental factors and no certain cause can be established now. The literature suggests the involvement of several brain circuits such as the serotonergic system, GABA system and glutamatergic system. The heterogeneity of core symptoms and the common cooccurring conditions - ADHD, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, epilepsy and irritability - highly affect the individual's functionality and represent a treatment challenge for physicians. Currently there is no standard psychopharmacological treatment for the core symptoms of ASD in children, adolescents and adults. The psychotropic medications are used to alleviate co-occurring health problems and their efficacy varies according to the developmental stage. Aims: To provide an updated information about psychopharmacological agents used in treatment of core symptoms and co-occurring conditions in ASD, using a modern classification of psychotropic agents that takes in consideration the underlying mechanism of action and the brain circuits involved in the pathophysiology of ASD. Methods: We performed a literature search using Google Scholar database of articles published in English from 2010 until 2018 pertaining to the use of psychotropic agents in ASD. Conclusion: In the pediatric population we identified the frequently used pharmacological treatments: methylphenidate and atomoxetine for co-occurring ADHD, risperidone and aripiprazole for irritability, aggression and self-injurious behavior. For sleep disorders a few small studies support the use of melatonin. There is a small number of psychopharmacological studies in the adult ASD population regarding treatment of core symptoms and co-occurring conditions. The currently used treatments are based on extrapolations from studies in children with ASD or neurotypicals with similar symptoms or other conditions frequently found in ASD.
- Subjects
GOOGLE Scholar (Web resource); IRRITABILITY (Psychology); SELF-injurious behavior; PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY; AUTISM spectrum disorders; SYMPTOMS; SLEEP disorders
- Publication
Romanian Journal of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2019, Vol 7, Issue 1/2, p40
- ISSN
2360-185X
- Publication type
Article