title: Aripiprazole for the treatment of irritability associated with autism.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Irritability (including tantrums, aggression and moodiness) is often associated with autistic disorder. Children with autism are frequently prescribed atypical antipsychotic medications for these behaviors. Although multiple agents have been found to be effective, the safety and tolerability of each antipsychotic may be the determining factor in its selection.
  
  
  METHODS
  The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and efficacy data on aripiprazole for the treatment of irritability associated with autism are discussed. Knowledge of the mechanism of action, advantages and disadvantages relative to other atypical antipsychotics, and an appreciation of the efficacy of aripiprazole when used to treat irritability in autism is also explored in this paper.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Aripiprazole may have a more favorable side-effect profile than another commonly prescribed medication, risperidone, because of its unique mechanism of action. It seems to be effective in treating irritability associated with autism, but more research is needed.
authors.affiliation: The Ohio State University, Nisonger Center, 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. farmer.107@osu.edu
authors.forename: Cristan Ann
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Farmer
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Aman
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007508:Irritable Mood / Q000187:drug effects*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015363:Quinolones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018967:Risperidone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D015363:Quinolones; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D018967:Risperidone