title: Treatment of inattention, overactivity, and impulsiveness in autism spectrum disorders.
abstract: We reviewed the recent literature on medicines used to manage inattention, impulsiveness, and overactivity in children with pervasive developmental disorders (autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, Asperger's disorder) using computer searches of pharmacologic studies. A substantial number of reports were identified and summarized. The literature tends to be dominated by uncontrolled studies, although the number of controlled trials is growing. Findings are described for psychostimulants, noradrenergic reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics, alpha adrenergic agonists, antidepressants, anxiolytics, cholinesterase inhibitors, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor blockers, and antiepileptic mood stabilizers. Evidence for a positive effect is strongest for psychostimulants, noradrenergic reuptake inhibitors, antipsychotics, and alpha adrenergic agonists. Evidence for efficacy seems weakest for newer antidepressants, anxiolytics, and mood stabilizers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, 225 Psychology Building, 1835 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. aman.1@osu.edu
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Aman
authors.forename: Cristan A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Farmer
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hollway
authors.forename: L Eugene
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Arnold
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs
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