title: First preliminary results of an observation of Panax ginseng treatment in patients with autistic disorder.
abstract: Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder, with impairments in reciprocal social interaction and verbal and nonverbal communication. There is often the need of psychopharmacological intervention in addition to psychobehavioral therapies, but benefits are limited by adverse side effects. For that reason, Panax ginseng, which is comparable with Piracetam, a substance effective in the treatment of autism, was investigated for possible improvement of autistic symptoms. There was some improvement, which suggests some benefits of Panax ginseng, at least as an add-on therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Regional Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy. helmutniederhofer@yahoo.de
authors.forename: Helmut
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Niederhofer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019370:Observation; D005894:Panax; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010889:Piracetam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018697:Nootropic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D010889:Piracetam