title: Pharmacologic treatments for the behavioral symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders across the lifespan.
abstract: This review outlines pharmacologic treatments for the behavioral symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in children, adolescents, and adults. Symptom domains include repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, irritability and aggression, hyperactivity and inattention, and social impairment. Medications covered include serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), mirtazapine, antipsychotics, psychostimulants, atomoxetine, α-2 agonists, D-cycloserine, and memantine. Overall, SRIs are less efficacious and more poorly tolerated in children with ASDs than in adults. Antipsychotics are the most efficacious drugs for the treatment of irritability in ASDs, and may be useful in the treatment of other symptoms. Psychostimulants demonstrate some benefit for the treatment of hyperactivity and inattention in individuals with ASDs, but are less efficacious and associated with more adverse effects compared with individuals with ADHD. D-cycloserine and memantine appear helpful in the treatment of social impairment, although further research is needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Carolyn A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Doyle
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: McDougle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D001526:Behavioral Symptoms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016239:MEDLINE / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors