AUTHORS ' CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence of effect of SSRIs in children and emerging evidence of harm .
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders ( ASD ) are characterised by abnormalities in social interaction and communication skills , as well as stereotypic behaviours and restricted activities and interests .
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) are prescribed for the treatment of conditions often comorbid with ASD such as depression , anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviours .
OBJECTIVES To determine if treatment with an SSRI:1 .
improves the core features of autism ( social interaction , communication and behavioural problems);2 .
improves other non-core aspects of behaviour or function such as self-injurious behaviour;3 .
improves the quality of life of adults or children and their carers;4 .
has short- and long-term effects on outcome ; 5 .
causes harm .
Clinical and neurochemical effects of fenfluramine in children with autism.
Fifteen children with autism were treated with 60 mg d , l-fenfluramine ( FEN ) or placebo in a double-blind A-B-A protocol followed immediately by double-blind placebo-controlled crossover administration of FEN ( total duration 62 weeks ) . Both biochemical and clinical outcomes were examined . Biochemically , FEN led to an increase in dihydroxyphenylacetic acid ( DOPAC ) and decreases in whole-blood serotonin ( 5-HT ) , plasma norepinephrine ( NE ) , and plasma 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol ( MHPG ) . The decrease in whole-blood 5-HT was seen only during treatment with FEN . However , NE levels did not return to baseline as long as 8 weeks after the first FEN treatment period . Increases in DOPAC were greater during the second FEN treatment period than the first . Persistent changes in catecholamine regulation may be related to previously reported long-term effects on central nervous system 5-HT after FEN . Clinical ly , FEN led to a modest decrease in parent , but not teacher , ratings of hyperactivity and to a small reduction in sensorimotor abnormalities . Abnormal social and affectual responses also decreased , but this was not directly related to FEN treatment . Effects on cognition were equivocal . Hyperserotonemic subjects did not differ from normoserotonemic subjects in clinical response . Overall , no significant advantage for the use of FEN could be established
AUTHORS ' CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence of effect of SSRIs in children and emerging evidence of harm .
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders ( ASD ) are characterised by abnormalities in social interaction and communication skills , as well as stereotypic behaviours and restricted activities and interests .
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ) are prescribed for the treatment of conditions often comorbid with ASD such as depression , anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviours .
OBJECTIVES To determine if treatment with an SSRI:1 .
improves the core features of autism ( social interaction , communication and behavioural problems);2 .
improves other non-core aspects of behaviour or function such as self-injurious behaviour;3 .
improves the quality of life of adults or children and their carers;4 .
has short- and long-term effects on outcome ; 5 .
causes harm .