title: The effects of chronic naltrexone treatment in young autistic children: a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study.
abstract: In a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial 23 autistic children, aged 3-7 years, were treated with a mean daily dosage of 1 mg/kg naltrexone for 4 weeks. Drug effects were monitored with behavior checklists rated by parents and teachers, and ethological playroom observations. On average, parents' checklists and playroom data could not differentiate between naltrexone treatment and placebo treatment; however, teachers significantly favored naltrexone treatment. They reported a decrease in hyperactivity and irritability. No effects of naltrexone on social and stereotypic behavior could be demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Willemsen-Swinkels
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Buitelaar
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: van Engeland
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012919:Social Behavior; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009271:Naltrexone