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Autism and associated behavioral disorders: pharmacotherapeutic intervention
1Department of Neuroscience, Miami Children's Hospital, FL 33155.
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|January 1, 1995
Summary
This review examines pharmacotherapies for autism and pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). Current treatments aim to manage behavioral symptoms, but no single agent is effective for all individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Autism and PDDs are complex developmental disabilities characterized by behavioral criteria.
- These lifelong disorders manifest with varying severity, impacting social interaction, communication, and interests.
Observation:
- Limited understanding of the neurochemical basis for autism and PDDs.
- Pharmacotherapy aims to alleviate behavioral symptoms that hinder participation in daily life.
Findings:
- Review of agents with positive clinical effects in treating children with autism and PDDs.
- Behavioral manifestations include core deficits in social interaction and communication.
Implications:
- Autism and PDDs are heterogeneous with multiple etiologies.
- Treatment requires precise identification of behaviors and neurobiologic factors.
- No universal pharmacotherapeutic agent or combination exists for all patients.