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Volume 10
Number 3 2005
STANLEY P. KUTCHER, M.D., EDITOR
Pharmacotherapy in Autism
CONTENTS
Article
Pharmacotherapy in Autism 1
New Research 6
Anticraving Medications
Atomoxetine and Onset of Motor Tic
Reboxetine as an Optional Treatment for Hyperkinetic CD
Sex Differences in Antidepressant Response
Lukas Propper, MD and Herbert Orlik, MD, FRCPC
Autism is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by severe and sustained impairment in social interaction, in communication, and by patterns of behavior and interests that are restricted, stereotyped, or both. In addition to these core symptoms, patients often experience symptoms in other psychopathological domains, and a number of behavioral symptoms and comorbid mental health conditions, including disruptive behavior, thoughts and behaviors that are of an obsessivecompulsive nature, anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity, tics, aggressive behaviors and sleep disturbances are commonly present in people with autism. These challenging behaviors and comorbid conditions can complicate the effective management of autism and can pose a serious risk for the individual or for others. Interventions should be prioritized based on such risks, distress, and functional disabilities created by the symptoms. Several psychoactive medications have shown efficacy for target symptoms associated with autism, and can be used to augment critical educational and behavioral interventions that are the mainstays of treatment.
Antipsychotic Agents
Physical aggression and selfharm are of greatest concern among the behaviors of people with autism, and are particularly problematic in adolescents and adults whose large size and physical strength creates greater danger. Although intensive behavioral therapy may be an effective treatment modality for both aggression and selfharm, medication can be quite useful in reducing the intensity and frequency of these disruptive behaviors, and allows behavioral therapy and other interventions to proceed more effectively. Some behaviors can be so severe that medication becomes necessary before any behavioral intervention can be undertaken.
CAPN 1
HANDOUT New Research Note AUTISM
Child & Adolescent Psychopharmacology News is an independent publication that accepts no advertising or other outside support.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Stanley P. Kutcher, M.D., Editor
Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Normand Carrey
Dalhousie University Mina K. Dulcan
Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, ILBruce Ferguson
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON David Gardner
Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Barbara Geller
Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MOLaurence Greenhill
New York State Psychiatric Institute, New...