Abstract

Aggression, self-injury, and mood disturbances in persons with autistic disorders, while not uncommon, do not constitute core features of autism. Moreover, these problems can occur for a variety of reasons, which need to be assessed in order to plan appropriate and frequently combined (behavioral-pharmacological) treatments. Drugs acting primarily in the dopaminergic, serotonergic, adrenergic, opioidergic, and glutamatergic systems all have been explored in the treatment of aggression and self-injury. While no single drug or class of medication has yet emerged as consistently effective, a number of drugs appear promising. Advances in the assessment of aggressive behaviors, the identification of predictors of drug response, and additional controlled clinical drug trials specifically aimed at these target behaviors are essential in improving the approach to these problematic behaviors in the context of autistic disorder.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.