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Olanzapine in the treatment of behavioral problems associated with autism: an open-label trial in Kuwait

Abdullahi Fido1, Samira Al-Saad

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Kuwait University, Kuwait. fido@hsc.edu.kw

Medical Principles and Practice : International Journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
|August 8, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Olanzapine effectively reduced disruptive behaviors like irritability and hyperactivity in children with autism. This short-term study found the medication safe, but longer trials are needed to assess side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Pharmacological Interventions

Background:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
  • Disruptive behaviors, including irritability and hyperactivity, are common in children with ASD.
  • Effective and safe pharmacological interventions for these behaviors are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of olanzapine in treating disruptive behavior problems in children with autism.
  • To assess the impact of olanzapine on specific behavioral symptoms and overall severity.

Main Methods:

  • A 13-week prospective open-label trial involving 40 male children (ages 7-17) diagnosed with autism.
  • Olanzapine (5-10 mg/day) was administered after a washout period.
  • Efficacy was measured using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S).
  • Laboratory and physical investigations were conducted at baseline and end of treatment.

Main Results:

  • Significant reductions were observed in ABC subscale scores for irritability, lethargy, stereotyped behavior, hyperactivity, and inappropriate speech (p < 0.005).
  • 30% of patients showed improvement on CGI-S scores (p < 0.05).
  • No significant adverse effects on liver enzymes, serum biochemistry, or body weight were noted.

Conclusions:

  • Olanzapine demonstrated potential benefits in alleviating irritability, hyperactivity, and lethargy associated with autism in children.
  • The short duration of the trial limits conclusions regarding long-term adverse effects like weight gain and tardive dyskinesia.
  • Further long-term, placebo-controlled studies are recommended to confirm efficacy and safety.
Abstract

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