Endogenous opioids and opiate antagonists in autism: brief review of empirical findings and implications for clinicians.
Endogenous opioid dysfunction hypotheses for the development of autism are reviewed, along with clinical empirical studies of opiate antagonists in autism and self-injurious behaviour. There is not yet sufficient evidence to suggest the use of opiate antagonists in the treatment of autism. Further research, particularly of natrexone in severe self-injury, is warranted.
Gillberg
C
C
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Göteborg, Annedals Clinics, Sweden.
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D004723:Endorphins / Q000097:blood* / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008550:Melatonin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D009270:Naloxone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000188:drug therapy; D012701:Serotonin / Q000097:blood
D004723:Endorphins; D012701:Serotonin; D009270:Naloxone; D009271:Naltrexone; D008550:Melatonin