Secretin in Children with Autistic Disorder: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

A number of recent studies have examined the efficacy of secretin (a polypeptide neurotransmitter) to treat symptoms associated with autism. Initial anecdotal reports indicated significant gains in social relatedness and language. However, recent double-blind studies have documented few significant differences between placebo and active medication. We report the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of the efficacy of secretin in eight children with autism. No group differences between placebo and secretin were found on measures of behavior and core features of autism. Parents reported anecdotal improvement in communication and social relatedness, but such gains tended to occur during both placebo and active medication conditions. However, a single subject did experience improvement in the core features of autism and behavior for a 3–4-week period following the secretin infusion. The results add further research support of the lack of clinical efficacy of this medication in the treatment of autism.