PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS: DIRECTIONS AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders are developmental disabilities that occur in early childhood and are characterized with a persistent deficit of social interaction. Treatment of this disease is often multimodal and may include early intensive behavioral therapy (applied behavioral analysis), speech therapy, occupational and physiotherapy, social skills training, special education and training. Modern options for drug treatment of the autism spectrum remain limited. There is no evidence that any of the known drugs have a significant effect on social exclusion, which is one of the characteristic symptoms of this disorder. However, there are potential effects on its other disorders; in particular, risperidone and aripiprazole have the highest level of evidence for the irritability treatment. Memantine, riluzole, amantadine, and buspirone reduced irritability in children with autism spectrum disorders when administered in combination with risperidone. One of the common manifestations of the autism spectrum in children is a symptom of attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder. Methylphenidate has been reported to be effective in treating hyperactivity, but its efficacy in children with autism spectrum disorders is usually lower than in those developing physiologically. The efficacy of prolonged−release guanfacine and clonidine has been demonstrated. Stereotyped and repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders are difficult to treat. Antidepressants have been shown to be ineffective in children with these disorders. Moreover, children with autism spectrum disorders develop more severe side effects when taking these drugs. Cannabidiol is likely to be a promising substance for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders, but there are still insufficient convincing clinical data on the efficacy and safety of cannabinoid therapy. Key words: autism spectrum disorders, comorbid conditions, treatment.