Pharmacological management in children and adolescents with pervasive developmental disorder.
OBJECTIVE
Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) is associated with emotional and behavioural problems. There is no pharmacological cure for PDD, but some comorbidities and dysfunctional behaviours in PDD can be managed pharmacologically. The aim of the present study was to provide a better understanding of the efficacy and limitations in the currently available agents.


METHODS
Electronic literature searches were conducted from the following sources: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PSYARTICLES and PsycINFO. Search terms included, but were not limited to, 'autism', 'PDD', 'autism spectrum disorder' ('ASD'), and 'pharmacological management'.


RESULTS
A range of pharmacological agents are available for the management of various dysfunctional symptoms in PDD. Broadly speaking, these agents help in the management of repetitive stereotyped behaviours, anxiety, aggression/irritability/self-injurious behaviour, hyperactivity/inattention and in sleep.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a paucity of systemic, well-conducted trials on the use of pharmacological agents in the management of PDD, and more research in this area is warranted.
Sung
Min
M
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore. min_sung@imh.com.sg
Fung
Daniel S S
DS
Cai
Yiming
Y
Ooi
Yoon Phaik
YP
D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects / Q000523:psychology; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007508:Irritable Mood / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs