Abstract
This article provides an overview of psychopharmacological treatments for repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the context of current conceptualizations of this understudied core symptom domain. The available literature on the widely used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline, are reviewed. In addition to SSRIs, research on effects of other pharmacologic interventions such as divalproex sodium, risperidone, and the neuropeptide oxytocin are presented. To date, data are mixed for interventions commonly prescribed in clinical practice and suggest several areas of investigation in advancing research on the medication management of repetitive behaviors.
MeSH terms
-
Adolescent
-
Adult
-
Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
-
Autistic Disorder / drug therapy*
-
Autistic Disorder / physiopathology
-
Autistic Disorder / psychology
-
Brain / drug effects
-
Brain / physiopathology
-
Child
-
Compulsive Behavior / diagnosis
-
Compulsive Behavior / drug therapy
-
Compulsive Behavior / physiopathology
-
Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic
-
Humans
-
Psychotropic Drugs / adverse effects
-
Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use*
-
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects
-
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
-
Serotonin / physiology
-
Stereotypic Movement Disorder / diagnosis
-
Stereotypic Movement Disorder / drug therapy*
-
Stereotypic Movement Disorder / physiopathology
Substances
-
Psychotropic Drugs
-
Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
-
Serotonin