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

Spring Harbor Hospital, Maine Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Westbrook, ME 04092, USA. siegem@springharbor.org

Journal of autism and developmental disorders 2012 Aug

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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.

Citation

Matthew Siegel, Amy A Beaulieu. Psychotropic medications in children with autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and synthesis for evidence-based practice. Journal of autism and developmental disorders. 2012 Aug;42(8):1592-605