Treatment outcome and outcome associations in children with pervasive developmental disorders treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: a chart review.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the outcome and predictors of outcome with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in outpatient children and adolescents with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs).


METHODS
Clinic charts were reviewed for 89 outpatient youths with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) diagnosis of a PDD who were treated with SSRIs. Response was determined using the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale. Side-effect and demographic data, including family history, were recorded.


RESULTS
Forty-four point nine percent (44.9%) were determined to be much improved and considered responders. Fifty-four percent (54%) of the subjects demonstrated activation side effects. In 35.4% of these subjects, the activation side effects led to drug discontinuation. Pearson chi-squared and regression analysis demonstrated an association between SSRI response and a family history of PDD. There were no significant associations between clinical variables and activation side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
SSRI treatment led to modest response rate in this group of youths with PDDs. Activation side effects were frequent, often leading to treatment dropouts. Potential outcome associations include a family history of PDDs.
Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02445, USA. charles_henry@hms.harvard.edu
Charles A
CA
Henry
Ronald
R
Steingard
Jacob
J
Venter
Jeff
J
Guptill
Elkan F
EF
Halpern
Margaret
M
Bauman
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors