Psychopharmacologic interventions for repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders.
This article provides an overview of psychopharmacological treatments for repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the context of current conceptualizations of this understudied core symptom domain. The available literature on the widely used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline, are reviewed. In addition to SSRIs, research on effects of other pharmacologic interventions such as divalproex sodium, risperidone, and the neuropeptide oxytocin are presented. To date, data are mixed for interventions commonly prescribed in clinical practice and suggest several areas of investigation in advancing research on the medication management of repetitive behaviors.
Soorya
Latha
L
Department of Psychiatry, Seaver & New York Autism Center of Excellence, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY 10029, USA. latha.soorya@mssm.edu
Kiarashi
Jessica
J
Hollander
Eric
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019956:Stereotypic Movement Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D012701:Serotonin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors