Antipsychotics in the treatment of autism

Abstract

Atypical antipsychotics have become indispensable in the treatment of a variety of symptoms in autism. They are frequently used to treat irritability and associated behaviors including aggression and self injury. They may also be efficacious for hyperactivity and stereotyped behavior. This review presents the rationale for the use of this drug class in autism and reviews the most important studies published on this topic to date. Significant adverse effects, including weight gain and the possibility of tardive dyskinesia, are reviewed. Future research directions are discussed.

Relaxation Response–Based Yoga Improves Functioning in Young Children with Autism: A Pilot Study

“…[1][2][3] Such treatments appeal to patients both for ''push'' factors (dissatisfaction with traditional approaches, such as the side-effect burden of medications 4 ) as well as ''pull factors'' (an increased sense of agency that patients feel with nontraditional approaches). 5 As recently reviewed, 6,7 there is limited evidence to evaluate such treatments for children with ASD, but insufficient evidence exists to rule out their potential benefit in most cases.…”

Agomelatine Addressing Behavioural Facets in Autism

“…When psychosocial and educational interventions are inadequate, pharmacotherapy is indicated [2]. Both atypical antipsychotics, risperidone (Risperdal®) and aripiprazole (Abilify®) are currently FDA-approved to address these behavioural facets [3]. Nonetheless, these agents, along with other antipsychotics, are plagued with a myriad of adverse drug reactions, notably, the neurologic and cardio-metabolic syndromes [4].…”

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