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Pharmacology of Autism Spectrum Disorder

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The Molecular Basis of Autism

Abstract

ASD is a complex and common neurobehavioral disorder with no identified single specific biologic etiology. Instead there appear to be diverse abnormalities of brain networks with cellular, biochemical, and genetic factors. Though behavioral therapy is a major component to management of individuals with ASD, psychopharmacology has emerged as an important therapeutic tool. Pharmacology is targeted at associated disorders such as sleep disorders, aggression, anxiety, depression, repetitive behaviors, and hyperactivity. This chapter reviews current agents noted by research trials to be of benefit. Additional medications under current research are also briefly noted.

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Correspondence to Donald E. Greydanus MD .

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Greydanus, D., Kaplan, G., Patel, D. (2015). Pharmacology of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In: Fatemi, S. (eds) The Molecular Basis of Autism. Contemporary Clinical Neuroscience. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2190-4_9

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