Research: The Pharmacologic Treatment of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity in Autism

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Authored by Kolevzon, A. in Primary Psychiatry, Volume 16, Issue 1, p. 55-60, (2009).

Article summary (posted Oct 14, 2009):

Some medications may improve attention spans and decrease hyperactivity in people with autism.

The author describes clinical trials of drug therapies in autism. Methylphenidate and atomoxetine are both used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These drugs may also help treat ADHD-like symptoms in people with autism. In autism, methylphenidate may work better for hyperactivity, and atomoxetine may work better for attention deficits. Other drug therapies may be helpful for ADHD-like symptoms in autism. Haloperidol, risperidone, clonidine, guanfacine, amntadine, and naltrexone have been researched. All of these drugs have shown improved behaviors in at least one study. However, other studies showed little or no effect of these drugs in autism.

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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).
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, Catapres - Duraclon (clonidine), Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride), drug, Haldol (haloperidol), hyperactivity, Revia - Vivitrol (naltrexone), Risperdal (risperidone), Ritalin - Methylin (methylphenidate hydrochloride), Strattera (atomoxetine hydrochloride), Tenex - Intuniv (guanfacine), therapy, treatment
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