Research summaries for autism therapy: hyperactivity

definition of hyperactivity: A physical state of abnormal activity. Some research has shown that food additives may cause hyperactivity in children.
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Effective Methylphenidate Treatment of an Adult Aspergers Syndrome and a Comorbid ADHD: A Clinical Investigation with fMRI, Summarized Nov 9, 2010

Methylphenidate may help adults who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Asperger syndrome.

This case study presents an adult patient with ADHD and Aspergers syndrome. The 26-year old man had had problems since childhood with making and keeping social contacts. The authors note that when an adult has both ADHD and Aspergers syndrome the case may be complex and hard to diagnose. This is because both ADHD and Aspergers syndrome may result in poor social skills and lack of attention. In the case of this patient, treatment with methylphenidate improved his ability to function and reduced his ADHD symptoms.

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Enhanced Independence and Quality of Life Through Treatment with Flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique of a Patient with Both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Asperger Syndrome: A Case Report, Summarized Sep 7, 2010

Flotation tanks may be a useful tool for calming the nervous system and helping with sensory integration in adults with Asperger syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

This case study describes an adult with Asperger syndrome and ADHD who was treated with flotation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Technique (flotation-REST). The 36-year old woman from Sweden also had depression. She was given 19 sessions over a year and at the end felt that she was better able to live life on her own. With time she learned to control how alert she was (arousal control). She also learned to control how active she was (activity regulation). Her senses relaxed and she became better at sensory integration.

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A Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose Study of Aripiprazole in Children and Adolescents with Irritability Associated with Autistic Disorder, Summarized May 13, 2010

Aripiprazole may help to treat irritability in children with autism.

This double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the atypical antipsychotic aripiprazole with placebo in terms of being able to reduce irritability in children (aged 6 to 17 years) with autism. This eight week study found that aripiprazole was able to reduce irritability in children with autism. Children who received aripiprazole also had decreased hyperactivity. There was a high placebo response rate of 35% on this study. The authors also note that this was a fixed-dose study and therefore doctors were not able to change the dose of the drug based upon the patient’s response to the drug.

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Chronic Omega-3 Supplementation in Seizure-prone Versus Seizure-resistant Rat Strains: A Cautionary Tale, Summarized Jan 11, 2010

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced impulsive behaviors in one strain of rats, and increased seizures in another strain of rats; some of these behaviors may be found in children with autism or autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Rat strains are rats that are bred to each other so that they all have the same genes.... One rat strain (Fast rats) has hyperactivity, learning problems, impulsive behaviors, and increased chance of seizures. Another strain (Slow rats) has few seizures and does not have the behavioral problems that the Fast rats have.... Read more...

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