title: Psychotropic medications in children with autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and synthesis for evidence-based practice.
abstract: This paper presents a systematic review, rating and synthesis of the empirical evidence for the use of psychotropic medications in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Thirty-three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer-reviewed journals qualified for inclusion and were coded and analyzed using a systematic evaluative method specific to autism research (Reichow et al. in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 38:1311-1319, 2008). Results are presented by agent and primary target symptom(s). The findings suggest established evidence for relatively few agents, with preliminary and promising evidence for a larger group. Challenges and opportunities in the developing field of ASD psychopharmacology are identified, and recommendations for further research are provided.
authors: Spring Harbor Hospital, Maine Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Westbrook, ME 04092, USA. siegem@springharbor.org
authors: Matthew
authors: M
authors: Siegel
authors: Amy A
authors: AA
authors: Beaulieu
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs