Retracing our steps: A review on autism research in children, its limitation and impending pharmacological interventions.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to describe current pharmacological management options for ASD, including melatonin for sleep disturbances.
Results Summary
The abstract mentions melatonin as an approved pharmacological option for managing sleep disturbances in ASD, but does not provide specific efficacy data. It highlights the need for personalized diagnostic kits to tailor treatments.
Population
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experiencing sleep disturbances.
Effective Dosage
Not available
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
aripiprazole | decrease | irritability and aggression | patients with ASD | - | approved to reduce | #1 |
risperidone | decrease | irritability and aggression | patients with ASD | - | approved to reduce | #2 |
haloperidol | decrease | irritability and aggression | patients with ASD | - | approved to reduce | #3 |
methylphenidate | decrease | ADHD symptoms | patients with ASD | - | approved to reduce | #4 |
atomoxetine | decrease | ADHD symptoms | patients with ASD | - | approved to reduce | #5 |
clonidine | decrease | ADHD symptoms | patients with ASD | - | approved to reduce | #6 |
guanfacine | decrease | ADHD symptoms | patients with ASD | - | approved to reduce | #7 |
melatonin | decrease | sleep disturbances | patients with ASD | - | approved to reduce | #8 |
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by three core impairments: impaired communication, impaired reciprocal social interaction, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotypical behavior patterns. Spectrum refers to the heterogeneity of presentation, severity of symptoms, and medical comorbidities associated with ASD. Among the most common underlying medical conditions are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, epilepsy, digestive disorders, metabolic disorders, and immune disorders. At present, in the absence of an objective and accurate diagnosis of ASD, such as a blood test, pharmacological management remains a challenge. There are no approved medications to treat the core symptoms of the disorder and behavioral interventions are typically used as first line treatment. Additionally, psychotropic drugs with different mechanisms of action have been approved to reduce associated symptoms and comorbidities, including aripiprazole, risperidone, and haloperidol for irritability and aggression, methylphenidate, atomoxetine, clonidine, and guanfacine for ADHD, and melatonin for sleep disturbances. The purpose of this review is to emphasize that it is imperative to develop objective, personalized diagnostic kits in order to tailor and individualize treatment strategies, as well as to describe the current pharmacological management options available in clinical practice and new prospects that may be helpful in managing ASD's core symptoms.