Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Professor Jeremy Parr
Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.
© 2017, © The Author(s) 2017. An expert review of the aetiology, assessment, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder, and recommendations for diagnosis, management and service provision was coordinated by the British Association for Psychopharmacology, and evidence graded. The aetiology of autism spectrum disorder involves genetic and environmental contributions, and implicates a number of brain systems, in particular the gamma-aminobutyric acid, serotonergic and glutamatergic systems. The presentation of autism spectrum disorder varies widely and co-occurring health problems (in particular epilepsy, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and irritability) are common. We did not recommend the routine use of any pharmacological treatment for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. In children, melatonin may be useful to treat sleep problems, dopamine blockers for irritability, and methylphenidate, atomoxetine and guanfacine for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The evidence for use of medication in adults is limited and recommendations are largely based on extrapolations from studies in children and patients without autism spectrum disorder. We discuss the conditions for considering and evaluating a trial of medication treatment, when non-pharmacological interventions should be considered, and make recommendations on service delivery. Finally, we identify key gaps and limitations in the current evidence base and make recommendations for future research and the design of clinical trials.
Author(s): Howes OD, Rogdaki M, Findon JL, Wichers RH, Charman T, King BH, Loth E, McAlonan GM, McCracken JT, Parr JR, Povey C, Santosh P, Wallace S, Simonoff E, Murphy DG
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Psychopharmacology
Year: 2018
Volume: 32
Issue: 1
Pages: 3-29
Print publication date: 01/01/2018
Online publication date: 14/12/2017
Acceptance date: 02/04/2016
ISSN (print): 0269-8811
ISSN (electronic): 1461-7285
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881117741766
DOI: 10.1177/0269881117741766
