title: Managing irritability and aggression in autism spectrum disorders in children and adolescents.
abstract: Children with autism and autism spectrum disorders have a high rate of irritability and aggressive symptoms. In one study up to 20% of children with autism have symptoms of irritability and aggression including aggression, severe tantrums, and deliberate self injurious behavior (Lecavalier [2006] J. Autism Dev. Disord. 36:1101-1114.). These symptoms can lead to impairment and distress in both home and school settings. Medications to treat the irritability will be discussed across categories of antipsychotics, antidepressants, antihypertensive agents, and others. Emphasis will be placed on medications with the most safety and efficacy and FDA approval.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, George Washington University Medical Center, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. arobb@cnmc.org
authors.forename: Adelaide S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Robb
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000523:psychology*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007508:Irritable Mood / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents