Abstract
Summary Methylphenidate was used in treating early infantile autism, and the following results were obtained. (1) Out of 15 cases of autism treated with Methylphenidate, nine cases (60%) showed improvement. (2) The improved symptoms with Methylphenidate were autistic behavior and speech disorder as well as hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. On the contrary, the symptom of “the obsessive desire for the maintenance of sameness” was not improved at all. (3) The main side-effects from Methylphenidate were anorexia, irritability, insomnia, diarrhea, self-mutilative behavior, aggressive behavior and so on. These side effects were temporary and disappeared soon after the reduction of drug dosage. In three cases of autism, which could be followed up in a year, effects of suppressing natural weight gain of children were observed. (4) In 14 cases of autism, serum serotonin levels were measured before and during administration of Methylphenidate. Out of nine improved cases, seven showed increase of serotonin levels during administration, and two showed decrease. But, they were not significant statistically. In five of the non-improved cases, there was no definite change.
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