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 .
Design and Subject Characteristics in the Federally-Funded Citalopram Trial in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders
The Studies to Advance Autism Research and Treatment Network conducted a r and omized trial with citalopram in children with Pervasive developmental disorders ( PDDs ) . We present the rationale , design and sample characteristics of the citalopram trial . Subjects ( 128 boys , 21 girls ) had a mean age of 9.3 ( ±3.12 ) years ; 132 ( 88.6 % ) were diagnosed with autistic disorder ( 4.7 % with Asperger ’s Disorder ; 6.7 % with PDD-not otherwise specified ) . Less than half of the subjects were intellectually disabled ; 117 ( 78.5 % ) were rated Moderate or Marked on the Clinical Global Impression for Severity . Study measures were similar to previous Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology trials . Subjects in this trial were slightly older and more likely to have complaints of repetitive behavior  than participants in RUPP trials
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 .