The Use of Psychostimulants in Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Abstract

Many children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) display problematic behaviors similar to those seen in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This paper will look at the controversy concerning diagnosing comorbid ADHD in children who meet criteria for PDD and review the existing literature examining the efficacy of stimulants in these particular set of behaviors or symptom clusters (hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention). The potential drawbacks of using stimulants in a population of children and adolescents who exhibit symptoms of PDD and ADHD will be discussed. Finally, this review will also attempt to define potential areas of future research to examine the utility of the psychostimulants in children and adolescents with PDD and symptoms of ADHD.

<p>The effect of stimulants on irritability in autism comorbid with ADHD: a systematic review</p>

“…Of the relevant articles, 16 were not interventional studies and were excluded 18,27–41. There were 10 interventional studies.…”

Psychostimulants for ADHD-like symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorders

“…Among these, 332 were discarded after reading the title and abstract since they were clearly not pertinent. Of these, five [9][10][11][12][13] were narrative reviews of the literature specifically including data on the efficacy/tolerability of psychostimulants in individuals with ASD; they were not included but their references were systematically screened to find potential additional pertinent papers not retrieved using the electronic databases. The full text of 16 potentially relevant papers was read.…”

Help Across the Spectrum: A Developmental Pediatrician's Perspective on Diagnosing and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…However, results are not as scientifically strong as the RUPP Network studies on Risperdal. Abanilla, Hannahs, Wechsler, and Silva (2005) reported on the use of psychostimulants in pervasive developmental disorders. Similarly, Hazell (2007) reviewed medication treatment of ADHD-like symptoms in persons with autistic disorder, citing RUPP Network (2005) research.…”