The UCLA CART Affinity Group presents a lecture on
Department of Psychiatry
Director, Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Indiana University School of Medicine
Friday, 5 June 2009
Scientific Lecture: 9:00-10:00 a.m.Community Questions and Discussion: 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Coffee served in the lobby 8:30 a.m.
Please Note Location Change:
The Seminar will be held in the Semel Institute Auditorium, Room C8-183
(UCLA Campus Map)
All are welcome!
For further information contact Candace Wilkinson at (310) 825-9041.
Abstract
Objective: To review the pharmacological treatment of autism.
Methods: Open-label and controlled drug studies have been conducted for many of the interfering symptoms associated with autism, as well as some core symptom domains.
Results: For motor hyperactivity and inattention, small studies have indicated that the alpha2 agonists, clonidine and guanfacine, may be useful. A placebo-controlled study by the Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPP) Autism Network found methylphenidate to be efficacious in 49% of subjects for these target symptoms. Preliminary data with the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine are encouraging. Controlled studies of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluvoxamine found the drug to be more efficacious for repetitive behavior and better tolerated in adults than children with autism. A controlled study of low-dose liquid fluoxetine found the drug more effective than placebo for interfering repetitive behavior in children. However, recently completed large-scale controlled studies of citalopram and an orally-disintegrating formulation of fluoxetine in children with autism were negative. Larger-scale placebo-controlled studies of the atypical antipsychotic risperidone by the RUPP Autism Network and others found the drug to be efficacious for reducing aggression, self-injury and tantrumming (irritability) in the large majority of children with autism. Open-label studies of other atypical antipsychotics have generally been encouraging. Open-label reports have suggested that the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate antagonist, memantine, may be helpful for some aspects of autism, including social relatedness. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the glutamatergic agent D-cycloserine showed minimal benefit for the social withdrawal of autism.
Conclusions: Significant advances have been made in treating many of the interfering target symptoms associated with autism. Additional placebo-controlled trials are needed.