Psychotropic medications in children with autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and synthesis for evidence-based practice.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-1-2012

Institution/Department

Maine Behavioral Health

Journal Title

Journal of autism and developmental disorders

MeSH Headings

Child, Child Development Disorders, Pervasive, Evidence-Based Practice, Humans, Psychotropic Drugs, Treatment Outcome

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic review, rating and synthesis of the empirical evidence for the use of psychotropic medications in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Thirty-three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer-reviewed journals qualified for inclusion and were coded and analyzed using a systematic evaluative method specific to autism research (Reichow et al. in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 38:1311-1319, 2008). Results are presented by agent and primary target symptom(s). The findings suggest established evidence for relatively few agents, with preliminary and promising evidence for a larger group. Challenges and opportunities in the developing field of ASD psychopharmacology are identified, and recommendations for further research are provided.

ISSN

1573-3432

First Page

1592

Last Page

1605

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