Use of medication in pervasive developmental disorders

Medication does not cure PDD, and its use is generally not indicated. However, neuroleptics like haloperidol or trifluoperazine can be useful in the management of behavioral problems. The most common adverse reaction to their use is extrapyramidal effects. However, if one increases the dose gradually and keeps the total daily dose low, the incidence of extrapyramidal effects is likely to remain quite low. A number of drugs that have been used with PDD children and their effectiveness are reviewed. Guidelines for selecting and using an optimal medication for a given patient are also presented. The need to exercise caution in the use of chemicals with severely dysfunctional children, the etiology of whose pathology continues to remain elusive, is stressed.