The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in autism and related disorders.
This paper reviews the published literature on the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of symptoms associated with autistic disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) in both children and adults. To date, placebocontrolled studies of SSRIs have involved only fluvoxamine (in children and adults) and fluoxetine (in children). Open-label and retrospective studies of all other SSRIs in PDDs have also been published that suggest effectiveness. Despite these positive reports, there continues to be questions about the tolerability and appropriate dosing of SSRIs in children with PDDs. Because of the limited number of placebo-controlled studies, definitive conclusions about the role SSRIs should play in the clinical treatment of children with PDDs cannot be drawn. Larger, placebo-controlled studies of SSRIs are needed to guide clinical treatment.
Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. dposey@iupui.edu
David J
DJ
Posey
Craig A
CA
Erickson
Kimberly A
KA
Stigler
Christopher J
CJ
McDougle
D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors