Developing drugs for core social and communication impairment in autism

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2008 Oct;17(4):787-801, viii-ix. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2008.06.010.

Abstract

There are many challenges to studying drug effects on core social and language impairment in autism. Drugs such as fenfluramine, naltrexone, and secretin do not appear to be efficacious for these core symptoms. Risperidone has led to improvement in some aspects of social relatedness when used to treat irritability in autism. More research is needed on the utility of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, cholinergic drugs, glutamatergic drugs, and oxytocin for core autistic symptoms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / drug therapy*
  • Communication Disorders / diagnosis
  • Communication Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Psychotropic Drugs / adverse effects
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use*
  • Research
  • Social Behavior*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs