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 .
Autism after Adolescence: Population-based 13- to 22-year Follow-up Study of 120 Individuals with Autism Diagnosed in Childhood
Background : Prospect i ve population -based follow-up study of 120 individuals with autism followed from childhood to adulthood . Methods : Individuals with autism , diagnosed in childhood , were followed prospect ively for a period of 13–22 years and re-evaluated at ages 17–40 years . The instruments used at follow-up were the  DISCO , WAIS-R , WISC-III , Vinel and Adaptive Behavior Scales , psychiatric-medical examination and GAF-scale .  A set of criteria was used for the classification of outcomes , taking into consideration employment , higher education/vocational training , independent living and peer relations . Results : Six of the 120 ( 5 % ) had died at the time of follow-up , and six declined participation . Overall outcome was poor in 78 % of cases . Only four individuals were independent albeit leading fairly isolated lives . Childhood IQ-level was positively correlated with better adult outcome , as was the existence of some communicative phrase speech at age six years . Conclusions : Children with autism as diagnosed in the 1960s , 1970s , and 1980s may have an even worse psychosocial outcome than previously believed
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 .