title: Endogenous opioids and opiate antagonists in autism: brief review of empirical findings and implications for clinicians.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Göteborg, Annedals Clinics, Sweden.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gillberg
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins; D012701:Serotonin; D009270:Naloxone; D009271:Naltrexone; D008550:Melatonin