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Multiple Antipsychotic Medication Use in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Logan K Wink1, Ernest V Pedapati1, Paul S Horn1
11 Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine , Cincinnati, Ohio.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
|October 15, 2015
Summary
Multiple antipsychotic medications may be common for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) behavioral symptoms. This retrospective study found this approach offered clinical benefit and was well-tolerated in patients with ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition.
- Behavioral symptoms associated with ASD often require pharmacologic intervention.
- The use of multiple antipsychotic medications in ASD is not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the use of multiple antipsychotic medications in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- To review the longitudinal medication management of patients treated for ASD-associated behavioral symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 1100 patients treated for ASD behavioral symptoms.
- Identified patients on two or more antipsychotics for at least two visits.
- Collected demographic data, targeted symptoms, concomitant medications, adverse effects, and BMI changes.
Main Results:
- 70 patients (6.4%) met inclusion criteria; mostly moderately to severely ill Caucasian males with autistic disorder and intellectual disability.
- Primary targeted symptoms included agitation, irritability, aggression, and self-injury.
- Most patients remained on multiple antipsychotics for over a year, showing symptomatic improvement with good tolerability and no significant adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- The use of multiple antipsychotic medications may be increasingly common in ASD.
- This treatment approach appears to offer clinical benefit and is generally well-tolerated.
- Further prospective studies on the efficacy and safety of concomitant antipsychotic use in ASD are warranted.
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