Stimulant medication treatment of target behaviors in children with autism: a population-based study.
OBJECTIVE
This study provides detailed information about stimulant medication treatment for the target symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, disinhibition, and inattention in children with autism.


METHODS
In a previous study, 124 subjects fulfilling DSM-IV-based research criteria for autistic disorder were identified among all 0-21 year old residents of Olmsted County, MN from 1976-1997. For each of these 124 children with research-identified autism, information was abstracted on all prescribed psychopharmacological medications.


RESULTS
Psychostimulants were used to treat 52.4% (N = 65) of the 124 subjects. The median total duration of psychostimulant treatment was 4.0 years. There were 398 episodes of psychostimulant treatment. Favorable responses were associated with 69.4% of treatment episodes. Of the 398 episodes of stimulant treatment, 16.8% were associated with a documented side effect. At least one side effect was experienced by 66% of the children.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that psychostimulants are commonly prescribed for children with autism, and suggest that these medications may improve the target symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, disinhibition and inattention.
Nickels
Katherine
K
Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo clinic, College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Katusic
Slavica K
SK
Colligan
Robert C
RC
Weaver
Amy L
AL
Voigt
Robert G
RG
Barbaresi
William J
WJ
D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008910:Minnesota; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants