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 Efficacy of Fluvoxamine and Functional Polymorphism in a Serotonin Transporter Gene on Childhood Autism
We studied the correlation between response to fluvoxamine and serotonin transporter gene promoter region polymorphism ( 5-HTTLPR ) . Eighteen children with autistic disorder completed a 12-week double-blind , placebo-controlled , r and omized crossover study of fluvoxamine .  Behavioral assessment  s were obtained before and at 12 weeks of treatment . 5-HTTLPR ( long ( l ) or short(s ) ) , was analyzed by the PCR method . Ten out of 18 patients responded to fluvoxamine treatment ; allele type analysis revealed that clinical global effectiveness was noted significantly more in the l allele than in the s allele . However , with respect to language use , a significant effectiveness was noted in the s allele . 5-HTTLPR may influence the individual responses to fluvoxamine administration
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 .