Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Neurotransmitter Signaling Pathways Involved in Motivation and Reward as Therapeutic Targets

Authors:

Walker, M.

Source:

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets, Volume 12, Issue 8, p.949-967 (2008)

Layperson Summary:

Several brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) may be good targets for future autism therapy drugs.

This article reviews genetic causes of autism and describes future approaches to drug therapy. The behaviors of people with autism can vary quite a bit. A great deal of research is going on to try and understand the biology and chemistry that form the basis of these behaviors. Many brain chemicals have been linked to autism and these might be targets for drug therapy. Some of the brain chemicals include oxytocin, vasopressin, dopamine, GABA, and acetylcholine.

Scientific Abstract

page last updated 09/02/2008

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