title: [Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: pharmacological intervention].
abstract: The cardinal symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)--inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness--are not specific and may be found in the general population and in other disorders. These symptoms are present in over 50% of patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It thus seems quite clear that both problems can coexist in these patients. The usual pharmacological treatments for ADHD, methylphenidate and atomoxetine, appear to be useful in reducing the above-mentioned symptoms in patients with ADHD and ASD. Effectiveness seems to be lower in patients with ASD and tolerance is slightly poorer. This may be conditioned by a number of variables, including: the complexity of ASD, association with mental retardation, polypharmacotherapy, and so on. Given the long-term tolerance profile of methylphenidate and atomoxetine, these treatments appear to be a good alternative with which to improve the problems of attention and self-control these patients have. Nevertheless, further controlled studies are needed to confirm this proposition.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Quiron, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Espana.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fernández-Jaén
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Martín Fernández-Mayoralas
authors.forename: Ana Laura
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Fernández-Perrone
authors.forename: Beatriz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Calleja-Pérez
authors.forename: Nuria
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Muñoz-Jareño
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: López-Arribas
mesh_terms: D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D003000:Clonidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D016316:Guanfacine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059906:Neuroimaging; D011437:Propylamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; D011437:Propylamines; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D008774:Methylphenidate; D016316:Guanfacine; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D003000:Clonidine