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 .
Clomipramine Versus Haloperidol in the Treatment of Autistic Disorder: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study
Clomipramine , haloperidol , and placebo were compared with baseline in the treatment of autism , and overall outcome , specific symptoms , and side effects were examined . It was hypothesized that clomipramine would be better tolerated than haloperidol and prove superior on a measure of stereotypy . Individuals with a DSM-IV diagnosis of autistic disorder ( mean age , 16.3 years ; range , 10–36 years ) were r and omly assigned , by using a Latin square design , to the following 7-week trials : placebo , clomipramine ( mean daily dose , 128.4 mg ; range , 100–150 mg ) , or haloperidol ( mean daily dose , 1.3 mg ; range , 1–1.5 mg ) . Data on 36 subjects were analyzed and taken together ; the results favored haloperidol . In those patients who were able to complete a full therapeutic trial , clomipramine proved comparable to haloperidol in terms of improvement compared with baseline . However , significantly fewer individuals receiving clomipramine versus haloperidol were able to complete the trial ( 37.5 % vs. 69.7 % , respectively ) for reasons related to both side effects and efficacy or behavior problems . In the intent-to-treat sample , which is perhaps more clinical ly relevant , only haloperidol proved superior to baseline on a global measure of autistic symptom severity , as well as specific measures for irritability and hyperactivity . Clomipramine did not seem more effective on a measure of stereotypy , nor was it better tolerated
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 .