Research: Effectiveness of Mirtazapine in the Treatment of Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors in Individuals with Autistic Disorder

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Authored by Coskun, M., Karakoc S., Kircelli F., and Mukaddes NM in Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, Volume 19, Issue 2, p. 203-206, (2009).

Article summary (posted Jun 5, 2009):

Mirtazapine may help manage sexual behaviors in children and adolescents with autism.

Ten children and adolescents (5-16 years old) who had excessive masturbation (self sexual stimulation) received different doses of mirtazapine for 8 weeks. Patients were evaluated before and after drug therapy. Except for one child who dropped out of the study, all children showed some improvement. Side effects included increased appetite, weight gain, and drowsiness. The authors believe that behavioral therapies should tried first to help change these types of behaviors. However, mirtazapine may help when behavioral therapies do not work.

Links:

You can access the original abstract and the complete paper is sometimes available for free via Google Scholar (look for entries that say "PDF" or "HTML" on the right side of the page).
autism, drug, Remeron (mirtazapine), therapy, treatment
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