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Aripiprazole for autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
Lauren E Hirsch1, Tamara Pringsheim
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Mathison Center, 4th Floor TRW building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 27, 2016
Summary
Aripiprazole effectively reduces irritability, hyperactivity, and stereotypies in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, potential side effects like weight gain and sedation require careful consideration during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass a range of neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Antipsychotics, including aripiprazole, are utilized to manage irritability associated with ASD.
- This review updates previous findings on aripiprazole's safety and efficacy in ASD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of aripiprazole for treating individuals diagnosed with ASD.
- To provide an updated analysis of aripiprazole's therapeutic potential in ASD management.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of aripiprazole versus placebo.
- Searched multiple databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL) for studies published since 1990.
- Assessed risk of bias and used GRADE approach to rate evidence quality.
Main Results:
- Aripiprazole showed moderate-quality evidence for reducing irritability, hyperactivity, and stereotypies in children/adolescents with ASD.
- Significant side effects included increased weight, sedation, and tremor.
- A discontinuation study indicated similar relapse rates between aripiprazole and placebo groups over time.
Conclusions:
- Aripiprazole demonstrates short-term efficacy for specific behavioral symptoms in pediatric ASD.
- Clinicians must weigh the benefits against significant side effects like weight gain and sedation.
- Further evaluation of long-term aripiprazole use and its impact on symptom stabilization is warranted.
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