Effects of fenfluramine on the behavior of autistic individuals.
The present report, part of a national, multicenter study to investigate the effects of fenfluramine on autistic behavior, describes findings on four autistic children ranging in age from 7 to 20 years. Additional performance and parental observation measures apart from those of the multicenter study are included. Results of this study which indicated no significant side effects, a reduction in some deviant behaviors and an improvement in activity level/attention span, provide support for earlier reports. The possibility that fenfluramine's apparently positive effects might be to simply reduce inappropriate behaviors via lethargy was examined and not supported.
Groden
G
G
Behavioral Development Center, Rhode Island.
Groden
J
J
Dondey
M
M
Zane
T
T
Pueschel
S M
SM
Veliceur
W
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005277:Fenfluramine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood
D005277:Fenfluramine; D012701:Serotonin