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Recent Updates in Psychopharmacology for the Core and Associated Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders (ES Brodkin, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior. This article aims to review the recent literature pertaining to psychopharmacology for the core and associated symptoms of ASD including social impairment, repetitive behaviors, irritability, and language impairment.

Recent Findings

Recent medication trials targeting social impairment in ASD have focused on neuropeptides (oxytocin and vasopressin) and memantine. None of these three medications has demonstrated consistent benefit for social impairment in ASD; however, additional studies are underway. Two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) provide evidence against the use of SSRIs for repetitive behaviors in youth with ASD. Preliminary studies have investigated cannabidiol (CBD) for irritability in ASD but further studies are needed to demonstrate safety and efficacy. Finally, three double-blind, placebo-controlled studies provide preliminary evidence for folinic acid for the treatment of verbal language deficits in children with ASD.

Summary

The identification of safe and effective pharmacological treatments to ameliorate the core and associated symptoms of ASD has proven difficult.

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References 

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Acknowledgements

DS receives research support from the Thrasher Research Fund. This work was supported, in part, by the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Robyn P. Thom & Christopher J. McDougle

  2. Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA

    Robyn P. Thom & Christopher J. McDougle

  3. Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Robyn P. Thom & Christopher J. McDougle

  4. Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, 630 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Joseph A. Pereira

  5. Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders, Maine Behavioral Healthcare, 78 Atlantic Place, South Portland, ME, 04106, USA

    Danielle Sipsock

  6. Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA

    Danielle Sipsock

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Correspondence to Christopher J. McDougle.

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Thom, R.P., Pereira, J.A., Sipsock, D. et al. Recent Updates in Psychopharmacology for the Core and Associated Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Psychiatry Rep 23, 79 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-021-01292-2

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