title: Pharmacologic treatment of behavioral symptoms in autism and pervasive developmental disorders.
abstract: Autism and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) are associated with various dysfunctional and problematic behaviors, in addition to the core features of language and social skills dysfunction that define these conditions. Although there is currently no pharmacologic cure for the core features of PDDs, some of the behavioral symptoms may be treated pharmacologically. In addition to relieving some of the daily stress in the lives of patients and their families, improvement of these behavioral symptoms, which include hyperactivity, aggression, tantrums, and self-injury, removes some of the hindrances to other rehabilitative efforts. This article discusses the efficacy and tolerability of various medications and alternative interventions in addressing the symptoms of autism and other PDDs.
authors.affiliation: Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. robert.findling@uhhs.com
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Findling
mesh_terms: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D001526:Behavioral Symptoms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005192:Family Health; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants