Use of medication in pervasive developmental disorders.
Medication does not cure PDD, and its use is generally not indicated. However, neuroleptics like haloperidol or trifluoperazine can be useful in the management of behavioral problems. The most common adverse reaction to their use is extrapyramidal effects. However, if one increases the dose gradually and keeps the total daily dose low, the incidence of extrapyramidal effects is likely to remain quite low. A number of drugs that have been used with PDD children and their effectiveness are reviewed. Guidelines for selecting and using an optimal medication for a given patient are also presented. The need to exercise caution in the use of chemicals with severely dysfunctional children, the etiology of whose pathology continues to remain elusive, is stressed.
Child and Family Studies Centre, Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Sloman
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005277:Fenfluramine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D008774:Methylphenidate; D005277:Fenfluramine; D009271:Naltrexone