skip to content
Dovepress - Open Access to Scientific and Medical Research
View our mobile site

8852

Emerging role of aripiprazole for treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents

Review

(1506) Views  (516) Full article downloads

Authors: Joan Stachnik, Michael Gabay

Published Date September 2010 Volume 2010:1 Pages 105 - 114
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/AHMT.S9819

Joan Stachnik, Michael Gabay
Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois, USA

Abstract: Autistic disorder is a largely misunderstood and difficult to treat neurodevelopmental disorder. Three core domains of functioning are affected by autistic disorder, ie, socialization, communication, and behavior. Signs of autistic disorder may be present early, but are frequently overlooked, resulting in a delay in its diagnosis and a subsequent delay in treatment. No one definitive therapy is available, and treatment consists of early educational and behavioral interventions, as well as drug therapy. Atypical antipsychotics have often been used in the treatment of autistic disorder to target irritability, aggression, and self-injurious behavior, all of which can interfere with other aspects of treatment. One atypical antipsychotic, aripiprazole, has recently been approved for treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder. Based on the results from two randomized, controlled trials, with efficacy data from nearly 300 patients, treatment with aripiprazole was associated with reductions in irritability, global improvements in behavior, and improvements in quality of life from both the patient and caregiver perspectives. Dosage of aripiprazole ranged from 5 mg to 15 mg per day. Aripiprazole was well tolerated during clinical trials, with most adverse events considered mild or moderate. Clinically relevant weight gain occurred in about 30% of patients given aripiprazole, although when compared with other atypical antipsychotics, aripiprazole appears to have fewer metabolic effects and a lower risk of weight gain. However, pediatric patients taking any atypical antipsychotic should be carefully monitored for potential adverse events, because the long-term effects of antipsychotic therapy in this population are not well known. When used appropriately, aripiprazole has the potential to be an effective treatment for children with autistic disorder to improve irritability and aggressive behavior and improve quality of life.

Keywords: autism, autistic disorder, aripiprazole, atypical antipsychotics






Readers of this article also read:

Management of multiple sclerosis in adolescents – current treatment options and related adherence issues
Adolescent insight within the working alliance: A bridge between diagnostic and psychotherapeutic processes
Diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis in pediatric and adolescent patients: current status and future therapies
Achieving adolescent adherence to treatment of major depression
Role of colesevelam in managing heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in adolescents and children
Screening and managing depression in adolescents
Safety and efficacy of clonidine and clonidine extended-release in the treatment of children and adolescents with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders
Cumulative clinical experience from over a decade of use of levofloxacin in community-acquired pneumonia: critical appraisal and role in therapy
Relationships between urinary biomarkers of phytoestrogens, phthalates, phenols, and pubertal stages in girls
Clinical utility of esomeprazole for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in pediatric and adolescent patients
  • Testimonials

    "... I was impressed at the rapidity of publication from submission to final acceptance." Dr Edwin Thrower, PhD, Yale University