Use of psychotropic drugs in patients with autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review

Abstract

Despite a lack of pharmacological treatment options for ASD core symptoms, the prevalence of psychopharmacotherapy and polypharmacy in ASD patients is considerable, which is probably due to the treatment of non-core ASD symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities. While there is some evidence for the use of antipsychotics and ADHD medication for these indications, the use of antidepressants should be limited to selected cases.

Psychometric characteristics of the mental health crisis assessment scale in youth with autism spectrum disorder

“…These behaviors can result in full blown crisis episodes that pose a danger to self and others. The pressing need to manage these psychiatric symptoms has resulted in high rates of polypharmacy, emergency room visits, and inpatient psychiatric hospitalization among this population (Jobski, H€ ofer, Hoffmann, & Bachmann, 2016;Kalb, Stuart, Freedman, Zablotsky, & Vasa, 2012;Mandell, 2008).…”

Prevalence of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection Assessed Through Viral Genome Detection in Dried Blood Spots in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…They include genetic tests (recommended in their case of familiality for genetic diseases, intellectual disability, and malformations in various organs), metabolic tests (in case of familiality for metabolic disorders, cyclical vomit, precocious epilepsy, mental retardation, clinical evidence or suspicion of metabolic disorders) (16). Several treatments have been proposed, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, but their efficacy is currently disappointing, because of the lack of knowledge of the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of ASD (17)(18)(19)(20).…”

Are there lessons to be learned from the prevailing patterns of psychotropic drug use in patients with autism spectrum disorder?

“…The systematic review published in this issue by Jobski and colleagues 10 on the use of psychotropic drugs in ASD populations highlights the extensive use of psychotropic medications in ASD populations 10 . More than two-thirds of the ASD population under review received psychopharmacotherapy and the prevalence and polypharmacy of psychotropic drugs increased with advancing age.…”

“…Despite limitations and safety concerns noted by the author on the use of psychotropic medication in ASD populations 10 , the findings from these naturalistic prescribing patterns that are practiced across the globe at the least inform us of the clinical need and substantial role these psychotropic medications play in managing populations of all ages with ASD.…”