Antidepressants and Autism
You are currently viewing this item in Advanced level. Alternative information may be available in Intermediate or Basic.
Ranking : 
Type(s) : Medication
Research
This section provides an overview of the scientific studies into the effectiveness of this intervention, including details of any clinical trials, which have been published in English-language, peer-reviewed journals.
We have identified more than 40 studies of antidepressants and people with autism published in peer-reviewed journals, most of which described the treatment of a few users. These studies included a total of several hundred children and adults. Most of the studies reported positive results but very few compared outcomes with a comparison group of consenting patients given a placebo, which is an inactive pill that looks the same as the active treatment.
Only three of the studies were adequately designed and reported treatment trials on autism specific health outcomes. The results suggest that in adults antidepressants may relieve repetitive behaviours. The effects of antidepressants on their impact on anxiety and depression has not been studied specifically in adults with autistic disorders but their use for these conditions can be considered when indicated as they would be in adults in general.
We have yet to evaluate the study by Coskun and Mukaddes (2008).
Back to Main Item
Last Updated : 07/06/2013 Back to Top
