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Use of medication in pervasive developmental disorders
1Child and Family Studies Centre, Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Medication does not cure Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), but neuroleptics can manage behavioral issues. Careful dosing minimizes adverse effects, with guidelines provided for optimal drug selection in children.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Neuropharmacology
- Developmental Disorders
Background:
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) is a complex condition with elusive etiology.
- Current treatments do not offer a cure for PDD.
- Behavioral problems are common in children with PDD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review medications used in PDD treatment.
- To assess the effectiveness of various drugs for PDD behavioral issues.
- To provide guidelines for optimal medication selection and use in PDD patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of drugs used in PDD.
- Analysis of drug effectiveness for behavioral management.
- Development of guidelines for medication selection and administration.
Main Results:
- Neuroleptics (e.g., haloperidol, trifluoperazine) can manage behavioral problems in PDD.
- Extrapyramidal effects are the most common adverse reaction.
- Gradual dose increase and low daily doses minimize adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Medication is not a cure for PDD but can aid in managing symptoms.
- Caution is advised when using medications with severely dysfunctional children.
- Guidelines assist in selecting and using optimal medications for PDD patients.