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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-related extrapyramidal symptoms in autistic children: a case series

Kenneth N Sokolski1, Aleksandra Chicz-Demet, Edward M Demet

  • 1Mental Health Care Group, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, California, USA. Kenneth.Sokolski@med.va.gov

Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
|May 15, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) rarely cause abnormal movements. However, four autistic children experienced extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) after SSRI treatment, suggesting a potential complication.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatric Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for various psychiatric conditions.
  • While generally well-tolerated, rare adverse effects can occur.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges in medication management.

Observation:

  • Four children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were retrospectively studied.
  • These children developed extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) after initiating SSRI therapy.
  • Symptoms were assessed using the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale via clinical notes and parental interviews.

Findings:

  • The study identified a potential association between SSRI use and the emergence of EPS in autistic children.
  • Extrapyramidal symptoms, though rare with SSRIs, were observed in this specific pediatric population.
  • This suggests a possible increased susceptibility in children with ASD.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should be vigilant for EPS when prescribing SSRIs to children with autism.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and prevalence of SSRI-induced EPS in this population.
  • This finding may inform treatment guidelines and risk-benefit assessments for SSRI use in pediatric autism.

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