title: Psychopharmacology of autism spectrum disorder: evidence and practice.
abstract: Children with autism spectrum disorder present with a high rate of maladaptive behaviors and comorbid psychopathology. Psychopharmacologic treatment is frequently used in this population and is particularly associated with comorbid mental illness and increasing age. Successful treatment of presenting problems, however, is most likely achieved through consideration of multiple potential etiologic factors, only some of which may respond to pharmacologic intervention. The evidence base for targeting specific symptoms and disorders with psychopharmacology in children with autism spectrum disorder is expanding rapidly and offers guidance for practicing clinicians. The current evidence for symptom-specific treatment is presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA. siegem@springharbor.org
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Siegel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs