title: What's in the pipeline? Drugs in development for autism spectrum disorder.
abstract: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with both core symptoms and associated symptoms (eg, irritability, aggression, and comorbidities) that affect both the individual and the family/systems around them. There have been recent advances in the understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of ASD pertaining to genetics, epigenetics, neurological, hormonal, and environmental factors that contribute to the difficulties found in individuals with ASD. With this improved understanding, there has been a shift in the application of psychopharmacology in ASD and its related disorders. A literature review was conducted to examine research published in the last 5 years between different classes of psychotropic medications and ASD. The broad scope of the existing literature for the use of conventional medications is summarized and novel medications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
authors.forename: Min
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sung
authors.affiliation: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
authors.forename: Chee Hon
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chin
authors.affiliation: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
authors.forename: Choon Guan
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.affiliation: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
authors.forename: Hwee Sen Alvin
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Liew
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: Chau Sian
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.affiliation: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
authors.forename: Espérance
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kashala
authors.affiliation: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
authors.forename: Shih-Jen
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Weng
keywords: Asperger’s syndrome; autism; medication; pharmacology; treatment