Glossary of Terms on Autism
This glossary is designed to explain some of the scientific terminology, abbreviations etc. used by some people when they talk about autism or research.
You may be able to find more information, including links to other parts of this website, by clicking on the title of an item.
If you can’t find the word you are looking for, or you know of a word we should include, please email info@researchautism.net
Disclaimer
The fact that an intervention is listed in this glossary does not necessarily mean that we agree with its use. Nor does it necessarily mean that there is any scientifically valid or reliable evidence behind it.
Over time we hope to evaluate each of the interventions listed in this glossary, providing a ranking which tells you the level of scientific evidence which supports or does not support its use. For more information please see Treatments and Therapies for Autism Currently Under Scientific Evaluation by Research Autism
- Glossary Item
- Description
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
-
A large class of antidepressant drugs which includes citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine and sertraline. Each of these is sold under various brand names. For example prozacŪ is one of the brand names for fluoxetine.
The term SSRI refers to the fact that this class of drugs works by stopping (inhibiting) the uptake (loss) of serotonin, which means that more serotonin is available to help pass on messages between nerve cells.
SSRIs are used to treat a variety of conditions including depression and anxiety. Some people believe that they can also be used to treat people with autism who have other problems, such as repetitive behaviours or social deficits.
Related Interventions
Antidepressants and Autism, Citalopram and Autism, Escitalopram and Autism, Fluoxetine and Autism, Fluvoxamine and Autism, Paroxetine and Autism, Sertraline and AutismRelated Publications
There are 86 publications related to "Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors", please click here to view the list (new window)
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Last Updated : 04/08/2011
