Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders pp 161–191Cite as

Pharmacotherapy of Behavioral Symptoms and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Abstract

This chapter will focus on the pharmacologic treatment of adolescents (12–18 years) and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Research on the pharmacotherapy of associated symptoms of autism, such as interfering repetitive behaviors, irritability (tantrums, aggression, self-injury), and hyperactivity will be reviewed. In addition, the available literature on drug treatment of psychiatric comorbidities in ASDs will be covered, including mood and anxiety disorders, among others. This chapter will cover the available literature in adolescents and adults with ASDs. Because research to date in ASDs has largely focused on the treatment of children, key double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in this population will be summarized where applicable. Further, many studies of pharmacotherapy include children as well as adolescents and/or adults, making it difficult to generalize the results to any population.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abell, F., & Hare, D. J. (2005). An experimental investigation of the phenomenology of delusional beliefs in people with Asperger syndrome. Autism, 9(5), 515–531.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, G. M., Freedman, D. X., Cohen, D. J., Volkmar, F. R., Hoder, E. L., McPhedran, P., et al. (1987). Whole blood serotonin in autistic and normal subjects. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 28(6), 885–900.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Arnold, L. E., Aman, M. G., Cook, A. M., Witwer, A. N., Hall, K. L., Thompson, S., et al. (2006). Atomoxetine for hyperactivity in autism spectrum disorders: Placebo-controlled crossover pilot trial. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 45(10), 1196–1205.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Arora, M., Praharaj, S. K., Sarkhel, S., & Sinha, V. K. (2011). Asperger disorder in adults. Southern Medical Journal, 104(4), 264–268.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Atlas, J. A., & Gerbino-Rosen, G. (1995). Differential diagnostics and treatment of an inpatient adolescent showing pervasive developmental disorder and mania. Psychological Reports, 77(1), 207–210.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Autism Speaks. (2009). Autism speaks announces results reported for the study of fluoxetine in autism (SOFIA): First industry-sponsored trial for the Autism Clinical Trials Network (ACTN) [press release]. New York. Retrieved February 18, 2009, from http://www.autismspeaks.org/about-us/press-releases/autism-speaks-announces-results-reported-study-fluoxetine-autism-sofia

  • Baron-Cohen, S., Scahill, V. L., Izaguirre, J., Hornsey, H., & Robertson, M. M. (1999). The prevalence of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome in children and adolescents with autism: A large scale study. Psychological Medicine, 29(5), 1151–1159.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beherec, L., Lambrey, S., Quilici, G., Rosier, A., Falissard, B., & Guillin, O. (2011). Retrospective review of clozapine in the treatment of patients with autism spectrum disorder and severe disruptive behaviors. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 31(3), 341–344.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Belsito, K. M., Law, P. A., Kirk, K. S., Landa, R. J., & Zimmerman, A. W. (2001). Lamotrigine therapy for autistic disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31(2), 175–181.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Birmaher, B., Quintana, H., & Greenhill, L. L. (1988). Methylphenidate treatment of hyperactive autistic children. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 27(2), 248–251.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brahm, N. C., Fast, G. A., & Brown, R. C. (2008). Buspirone for autistic disorder in a woman with an intellectual disability. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 42(1), 131–137.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brodkin, E. S., McDougle, C. J., Naylor, S. T., Cohen, D. J., & Price, L. H. (1997). Clomipramine in adults with pervasive developmental disorders: A prospective open-label investigation. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 7(2), 109–121.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, N. C., Bedair, H. S., McKay, B., Bowers, M. B., Jr., & Mazure, C. (2001). Clozapine in the treatment of aggression in an adolescent with autistic disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 62(6), 479–480.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke, D. J., LittleJohns, C. S., Corbett, J. A., & Joseph, S. (1989). Pervasive developmental disorders and psychoses in adult life. British Journal of Psychiatry, 155, 692–699.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, S. A., Fitzgerald, B. J., Khan, S. R., & Khan, A. (2004). The effect of a switch to ziprasidone in an adult population with autistic disorder: Chart review of naturalistic, open-label treatment. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 65(1), 110–113.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Coskun, M., & Mukaddes, N. M. (2008). Mirtazapine treatment in a subject with autistic disorder and fetishism. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 18(2), 206–209.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Desousa, A. (2010). An open-label trial of risperidone and fluoxetine in children with autistic disorder. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 32(1), 17–21.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dhossche, D. M., Reti, I. M., Shettar, S. M., & Wachtel, L. E. (2010). Tics as signs of catatonia: Electroconvulsive therapy response in 2 men. The Journal of ECT, 26(4), 266–269.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Di Martino, A., Melis, G., Cianchetti, C., & Zuddas, A. (2004). Methylphenidate for pervasive developmental disorders: Safety and efficacy of acute single dose test and ongoing therapy: An open-pilot study. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 14(2), 207–218.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dossetor, D. R. (2007). ‘All that glitters is not gold’: Misdiagnosis of psychosis in pervasive developmental disorders—A case series. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 12(4), 537–548.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Duggal, H. S. (2007). Ziprasidone for maladaptive behavior and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in autistic disorder. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 17(2), 261–263.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fankhauser, M. P., Karumanchi, V. C., German, M. L., Yates, A., & Karumanchi, S. D. (1992). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of transdermal clonidine in autism. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 53(3), 77–82.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fatemi, S. H., Realmuto, G. M., Khan, L., & Thuras, P. (1998). Fluoxetine in treatment of adolescent patients with autism: A longitudinal open trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 28(4), 303–307.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Findling, R. L., McNamara, N. K., Gracious, B. L., O’Riordan, M. A., Reed, M. D., Demeter, C., et al. (2004). Quetiapine in nine youths with autistic disorder. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 14(2), 287–294.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fisman, S., Steele, M., Short, J., Byrne, T., & Lavallee, C. (1996). Case study: Anorexia nervosa and autistic disorder in an adolescent girl. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 35(7), 937–940.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fontenelle, L. F., Mendlowicz, M. V., Bezerra de Menezes, G., dos Santos Martins, R. R., & Versiani, M. (2004). Asperger syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and major depression in a patient with 45, X/46, XY mosaicism. Psychopathology, 37(3), 105–109.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ghaziuddin, M., Ghaziuddin, N., & Greden, J. (2002). Depression in persons with autism: Implications for research and clinical care. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32(4), 299–306.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ghaziuddin, M., & Greden, J. (1998). Depression in children with autism/pervasive developmental disorders: A case-control family history study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 28(2), 111–115.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ghaziuddin, M., Tsai, L., & Ghaziuddin, N. (1991). Fluoxetine in autism with depression. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 30(3), 508–509.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ghuman, J. K., Aman, M. G., Lecavalier, L., Riddle, M. A., Gelenberg, A., Wright, R., et al. (2009). Randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study of methylphenidate for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in preschoolers with developmental disorders. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 19(4), 329–339.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gillott, A., & Standen, P. J. (2007). Levels of anxiety and sources of stress in adults with autism. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 11(4), 359–370.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gobbi, G., & Pulvirenti, L. (2001). Long-term treatment with clozapine in an adult with autistic disorder accompanied by aggressive behaviour. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 26(4), 340–341.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Golubchik, P., Sever, J., & Weizman, A. (2011). Low-dose quetiapine for adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder and aggressive behavior: Open-label trial. Clinical Neuropharmacology, 34(6), 216–219.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, C. T., State, R. C., Nelson, J. E., Hamburger, S. D., & Rapoport, J. L. (1993). A double-blind comparison of clomipramine, desipramine, and placebo in the treatment of autistic disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, 50(6), 441–447.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Handen, B. L., Johnson, C. R., & Lubetsky, M. (2000). Efficacy of methylphenidate among children with autism and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30(3), 245–255.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Handen, B. L., Sahl, R., & Hardan, A. Y. (2008). Guanfacine in children with autism and/or intellectual disabilities. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 29(4), 303–308.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hardan, A. Y., Jou, R. J., & Handen, B. L. (2004). A retrospective assessment of topiramate in children and adolescents with pervasive developmental disorders. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 14(3), 426–432.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Harvey, R. J., & Cooray, S. E. (1995). The effective treatment of severe repetitive behaviour with fluvoxamine in a 20 year old autistic female. International Clinical Psychopharmacology, 10(3), 201–203.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hellings, J. A., Kelley, L. A., Gabrielli, W. F., Kilgore, E., & Shah, P. (1996). Sertraline response in adults with mental retardation and autistic disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 57(8), 333–336.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hellings, J. A., Weckbaugh, M., Nickel, E. J., Cain, S. E., Zarcone, J. R., Reese, R. M., et al. (2005). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of valproate for aggression in youth with pervasive developmental disorders. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 15(4), 682–692.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hellings, J. A., Zarcone, J. R., Crandall, K., Wallace, D., & Schroeder, S. R. (2001). Weight gain in a controlled study of risperidone in children, adolescents and adults with mental retardation and autism. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 11(3), 229–238.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hellings, J. A., Zarcone, J. R., Reese, R. M., Valdovinos, M. G., Marquis, J. G., Fleming, K. K., et al. (2006). A crossover study of risperidone in children, adolescents and adults with mental retardation. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 36(3), 401–411.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hillbrand, M., & Scott, K. (1995). The use of buspirone with aggressive behavior. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 25(6), 663–664.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hofvander, B., Delorme, R., Chaste, P., Nyden, A., Wentz, E., Stahlberg, O., et al. (2009). Psychiatric and psychosocial problems in adults with normal-intelligence autism spectrum disorders. BMC Psychiatry, 9, 35.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hollander, E., Chaplin, W., Soorya, L., Wasserman, S., Novotny, S., Rusoff, J., et al. (2010). Divalproex sodium vs placebo for the treatment of irritability in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology, 35(4), 990–998.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hollander, E., Dolgoff-Kaspar, R., Cartwright, C., Rawitt, R., & Novotny, S. (2001). An open trial of divalproex sodium in autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 62(7), 530–534.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hollander, E., Soorya, L., Chaplin, W., Anagnostou, E., Taylor, B. P., Ferretti, C. J., et al. (2012). A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of fluoxetine for repetitive behaviors and global severity in adult autism spectrum disorders. American Journal of Psychiatry, 169(3), 292–299.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Horrigan, J. P., & Barnhill, L. J. (1997). Risperidone and explosive aggressive autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 27(3), 313–323.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Howell, P. C., Larson, J., & Coffey, D. B. (2011). Treatment of bipolar disorder in an adolescent with autistic disorder: A diagnostic and treatment dilemma. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 21(3), 283–286.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jahromi, L. B., Kasari, C. L., McCracken, J. T., Lee, L. S., Aman, M. G., McDougle, C. J., et al. (2009). Positive effects of methylphenidate on social communication and self-regulation in children with pervasive developmental disorders and hyperactivity. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(3), 395–404.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jaselskis, C. A., Cook, E. H., Jr., Fletcher, K. E., & Leventhal, B. L. (1992). Clonidine treatment of hyperactive and impulsive children with autistic disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 12(5), 322–327.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kerbeshian, J., Burd, L., Randall, T., Martsolf, J., & Jalal, S. (1990). Autism, profound mental retardation and atypical bipolar disorder in a 33-year-old female with a deletion of 15q12. Journal of Mental Deficiency Research, 34(Pt 2), 205–210.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • King, B. H., Hollander, E., Sikich, L., McCracken, J. T., Scahill, L., Bregman, J. D., et al. (2009). Lack of efficacy of citalopram in children with autism spectrum disorders and high levels of repetitive behavior: Citalopram ineffective in children with autism. Archives of General Psychiatry, 66(6), 583–590.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Koshes, R. J. (1997). Use of fluoxetine for obsessive-compulsive behavior in adults with autism. American Journal of Psychiatry, 154(4), 578.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Koshes, R. J., & Rock, N. L. (1994). Use of clonidine for behavioral control in an adult patient with autism. American Journal of Psychiatry, 151(11), 1714.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kurita, H. (1999). Brief report: Delusional disorder in a male adolescent with high-functioning PDDNOS. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 29(5), 419–423.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lambrey, S., Falissard, B., Martin-Barrero, M., Bonnefoy, C., Quilici, G., Rosier, A., et al. (2010). Effectiveness of clozapine for the treatment of aggression in an adolescent with autistic disorder. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 20(1), 79–80.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leboyer, M., Philippe, A., Bouvard, M., Guilloud-Bataille, M., Bondoux, D., Tabuteau, F., et al. (1999). Whole blood serotonin and plasma beta-endorphin in autistic probands and their first-degree relatives. Biological Psychiatry, 45(2), 158–163.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lugnegard, T., Hallerback, M. U., & Gillberg, C. (2011). Psychiatric comorbidity in young adults with a clinical diagnosis of Asperger syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32(5), 1910–1917.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Malone, R. P., Delaney, M. A., Hyman, S. B., & Cater, J. R. (2007). Ziprasidone in adolescents with autism: An open-label pilot study. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 17(6), 779–790.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marcus, R. N., Owen, R., Kamen, L., Manos, G., McQuade, R. D., Carson, W. H., et al. (2009). A placebo-controlled, fixed-dose study of aripiprazole in children and adolescents with irritability associated with autistic disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 48(11), 1110–1119.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marcus, R. N., Owen, R., Manos, G., Mankoski, R., Kamen, L., McQuade, R. D., et al. (2011). Safety and tolerability of aripiprazole for irritability in pediatric patients with autistic disorder: A 52-week, open-label, multicenter study. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 72(9), 1270–1276.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Martin, A., Koenig, K., Scahill, L., & Bregman, J. (1999). Open-label quetiapine in the treatment of children and adolescents with autistic disorder. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 9(2), 99–107.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McCormick, L. H. (1997). Treatment with buspirone in a patient with autism. Archives of Family Medicine, 6(4), 368–370.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McCracken, J. T., McGough, J., Shah, B., Cronin, P., Hong, D., Aman, M. G., et al. (2002). Risperidone in children with autism and serious behavioral problems. New England Journal of Medicine, 347(5), 314–321.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McDougle, C. J., Brodkin, E. S., Naylor, S. T., Carlson, D. C., Cohen, D. J., & Price, L. H. (1998). Sertraline in adults with pervasive developmental disorders: A prospective open-label investigation. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 18(1), 62–66.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McDougle, C. J., Holmes, J. P., Carlson, D. C., Pelton, G. H., Cohen, D. J., & Price, L. H. (1998). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of risperidone in adults with autistic disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders. Archives of General Psychiatry, 55(7), 633–641.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McDougle, C. J., Kem, D. L., & Posey, D. J. (2002). Case series: Use of ziprasidone for maladaptive symptoms in youths with autism. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 41(8), 921–927.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McDougle, C. J., Kresch, L. E., Goodman, W. K., Naylor, S. T., Volkmar, F. R., Cohen, D. J., et al. (1995). A case-controlled study of repetitive thoughts and behavior in adults with autistic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 152(5), 772–777.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McDougle, C. J., Kresch, L. E., & Posey, D. J. (2000). Repetitive thoughts and behavior in pervasive developmental disorders: Treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30(5), 427–435.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McDougle, C. J., Naylor, S. T., Cohen, D. J., Volkmar, F. R., Heninger, G. R., & Price, L. H. (1996). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of fluvoxamine in adults with autistic disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry, 53(11), 1001–1008.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McDougle, C. J., Price, L. H., & Goodman, W. K. (1990). Fluvoxamine treatment of coincident autistic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder: A case report. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 20(4), 537–543.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McDougle, C. J., Price, L. H., Volkmar, F. R., Goodman, W. K., Ward-O’Brien, D., Nielsen, J., et al. (1992). Clomipramine in autism: Preliminary evidence of efficacy. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 31(4), 746–750.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McDougle, C. J., Scahill, L., Aman, M. G., McCracken, J. T., Tierney, E., Davies, M., et al. (2005). Risperidone for the core symptom domains of autism: Results from the study by the autism network of the research units on pediatric psychopharmacology. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(6), 1142–1148.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mehlinger, R., Scheftner, W. A., & Poznanski, E. (1990). Fluoxetine and autism. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 29(6), 985.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Munesue, T., Ono, Y., Mutoh, K., Shimoda, K., Nakatani, H., & Kikuchi, M. (2008). High prevalence of bipolar disorder comorbidity in adolescents and young adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder: A preliminary study of 44 outpatients. Journal of Affective Disorders, 111(2–3), 170–175.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen, M., & Murphy, T. (2001). Mirtazapine for excessive masturbation in an adolescent with autism. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(8), 868–869.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nickels, K., Katusic, S. K., Colligan, R. C., Weaver, A. L., Voigt, R. G., & Barbaresi, W. J. (2008). Stimulant medication treatment of target behaviors in children with autism: A population-based study. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 29(2), 75–81.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Niederhofer, H., Damodharan, S. K., Joji, R., Corfield, A. (2006). Atomoxetine treating patients with autistic disorder. Autism, 10(6), 647–649.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Owen, R., Sikich, L., Marcus, R. N., Corey-Lisle, P., Manos, G., McQuade, R. D., et al. (2009). Aripiprazole in the treatment of irritability in children and adolescents with autistic disorder. Pediatrics, 124(6), 1533–1540.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pardini, M., Guida, S., & Gialloreti, L. E. (2010). Aripiprazole treatment for coprophagia in autistic disorder. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 22(4), 451-s.e433–451.e433.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perry, D. W., Marston, G. M., Hinder, S. A., Munden, A. C., & Roy, A. (2001). The phenomenology of depressive illness in people with a learning disability and autism. Autism, 5(3), 265–275.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Posey, D. J., Aman, M. G., McCracken, J. T., Scahill, L., Tierney, E., Arnold, L. E., et al. (2007). Positive effects of methylphenidate on inattention and hyperactivity in pervasive developmental disorders: An analysis of secondary measures. Biological Psychiatry, 61(4), 538–544.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Posey, D. J., Guenin, K. D., Kohn, A. E., Swiezy, N. B., & McDougle, C. J. (2001). A naturalistic open-label study of mirtazapine in autistic and other pervasive developmental disorders. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 11(3), 267–277.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Posey, D. J., Wiegand, R. E., Wilkerson, J., Maynard, M., Stigler, K. A., & McDougle, C. J. (2006). Open-label atomoxetine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms associated with high-functioning pervasive developmental disorders. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 16(5), 599–610.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Potenza, M. N., Holmes, J. P., Kanes, S. J., & McDougle, C. J. (1999). Olanzapine treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with pervasive developmental disorders: An open-label pilot study. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 19(1), 37–44.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Quintana, H., Birmaher, B., Stedge, D., Lennon, S., Freed, J., Bridge, J., et al. (1995). Use of methylphenidate in the treatment of children with autistic disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 25(3), 283–294.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Realmuto, G. M., & Main, B. (1982). Coincidence of Tourette’s disorder and infantile autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 12(4), 367–372.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Remington, G., Sloman, L., Konstantareas, M., Parker, K., & Gow, R. (2001). Clomipramine versus haloperidol in the treatment of autistic disorder: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 21(4), 440–444.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology. (2005). Randomized, controlled, crossover trial of methylphenidate in pervasive developmental disorders with hyperactivity. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(11), 1266–1274.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rezaei, V., Mohammadi, M. R., Ghanizadeh, A., Sahraian, A., Tabrizi, M., Rezazadeh, S. A., et al. (2010). Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of risperidone plus topiramate in children with autistic disorder. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 34(7), 1269–1272.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ritvo, E. R., Yuwiler, A., Geller, E., Ornitz, E. M., Saeger, K., & Plotkin, S. (1970). Increased blood serotonin and platelets in early infantile autism. Archives of General Psychiatry, 23(6), 566–572.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roy, M., Dillo, W., Bessling, S., Emrich, H. M., & Ohlmeier, M. D. (2009). Effective methylphenidate treatment of an adult Aspergers syndrome and a comorbid ADHD: A clinical investigation with fMRI. Journal of Attention Disorders, 12(4), 381–385.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Santosh, P. J., Baird, G., Pityaratstian, N., Tavare, E., & Gringras, P. (2006). Impact of comorbid autism spectrum disorders on stimulant response in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A retrospective and prospective effectiveness study. Child: Care, Health and Development, 32(5), 575–583.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schain, R. J., & Freedman, D. X. (1961). Studies on 5-hydroxyindole metabolism in autistic and other mentally retarded children. Journal of Pediatrics, 58, 315–320.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, K. (1982). The effect of stimulant medication in childhood-onset pervasive developmental disorder—A case report. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 3(4), 244–246.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shastri, M., Alla, L., & Sabaratnam, M. (2006). Aripiprazole use in individuals with intellectual disability and psychotic or behavioural disorders: A case series. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 20(6), 863–867.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shea, S., Turgay, A., Carroll, A., Schulz, M., Orlik, H., Smith, I., et al. (2004). Risperidone in the treatment of disruptive behavioral symptoms in children with autistic and other pervasive developmental disorders. Pediatrics, 114(5), e634–e641.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stahlberg, O., Soderstrom, H., Rastam, M., & Gillberg, C. (2004). Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders in adults with childhood onset AD/HD and/or autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Neural Transmission, 111(7), 891–902.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Steingard, R., & Biederman, J. (1987). Lithium responsive manic-like symptoms in two individuals with autism and mental retardation. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 26(6), 932–935.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stigler, K. A., Diener, J. T., Kohn, A. E., Li, L., Erickson, C. A., Posey, D. J., et al. (2009). Aripiprazole in pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified and Asperger’s disorder: A 14-week, prospective, open-label study. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 19(3), 265–274.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stigler, K. A., Erickson, C. A., Mullett, J. E., Posey, D. J., & McDougle, C. J. (2010). Paliperidone for irritability in autistic disorder. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 20(1), 75–78.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stigler, K. A., Mullett, J. E., Erickson, C. A., Posey, D. J., & McDougle, C. J. (2012). Paliperidone for irritability in adolescents and young adults with autistic disorder. Psychopharmacology, 223(2), 237–245.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Strayhorn, J. M., Jr., Rapp, N., Donina, W., & Strain, P. S. (1988). Randomized trial of methylphenidate for an autistic child. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 27(2), 244–247.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sugie, Y., Sugie, H., Fukuda, T., Ito, M., Sasada, Y., Nakabayashi, M., et al. (2005). Clinical efficacy of fluvoxamine and functional polymorphism in a serotonin transporter gene on childhood autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 35(3), 377–385.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Szatmari, P., Archer, L., Fisman, S., Streiner, D. L., & Wilson, F. (1995). Asperger’s syndrome and autism: Differences in behavior, cognition, and adaptive functioning. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 34(12), 1662–1671.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tantum, D. (1991). Asperger syndrome in adulthood. In U. Frith (Ed.), Autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vitiello, B., & Jensen, P. S. (1995). Developmental perspectives in pediatric psychopharmacology. Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 31(1), 75–81.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Volkmar, F. R., Klin, A., Schultz, R. T., Rubin, E., & Bronen, R. (2000). Asperger’s disorder. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 157(2), 262–267.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wachtel, L. E., Griffin, M., & Reti, I. M. (2010). Electroconvulsive therapy in a man with autism experiencing severe depression, catatonia, and self-injury. The Journal of ECT, 26(1), 70–73.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wasserman, S., Iyengar, R., Chaplin, W. F., Watner, D., Waldoks, S. E., Anagnostou, E., et al. (2006). Levetiracetam versus placebo in childhood and adolescent autism: A double-blind placebo-controlled study. International Clinical Psychopharmacology, 21(6), 363–367.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Whitaker-Azmitia, P. M. (1993). The role of serotonin and serotonin receptors in development of the mammalian nervous system. In I. S. Zagon & P. J. McLaughlin (Eds.), Receptors in the developing nervous system, Vol. 2, Neurotransmitters (pp. 43–53). London: Chapman & Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Willemsen-Swinkels, S. H., Buitelaar, J. K., Nijhof, G. J., & van England, H. (1995). Failure of naltrexone hydrochloride to reduce self-injurious and autistic behavior in mentally retarded adults. Double-blind placebo-controlled studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 52(9), 766–773.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wing, L. (1981). Asperger’s syndrome: A clinical account. Psychological Medicine, 11(1), 115–129.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wink, L. K., Erickson, C. A., Stigler, K. A., McDougle, C. J. (2011). Riluzole in autistic disorder. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 21(4), 375–379.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zingarelli, G., Ellman, G., Hom, A., Wymore, M., Heidorn, S., & Chicz-DeMet, A. (1992). Clinical effects of naltrexone on autistic behavior. American Journal of Mental Retardation, 97(1), 57–63.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by a Daniel X. and Mary Freedman Fellowship in Academic Psychiatry and a Career Development Award (K23 MH 082119) from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (Dr. Stigler) and the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation, Autism Speaks, and the NIMH (ROIMH077600, ROIMH083739) (Dr. McDougle).

Disclosure of conflict of interest: Drs. Doyle and McDougle have nothing to disclose. Dr. Stigler receives research support from Brisol-Myers Squibb Co., Curemark, Eli Lilly & Co., Forest Research Institute, Janssen, Novartis, and Seaside Therapeutics.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Carolyn A. Doyle M.D. & Kimberly A. Stigler M.D.

  2. Christian Sarkine Autism Treatment Center, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Carolyn A. Doyle M.D. & Kimberly A. Stigler M.D.

  3. Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

    Christopher J. McDougle M.D.

  4. Massachusetts General Hospital, Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, MA, USA

    Christopher J. McDougle M.D.

Authors
  1. Carolyn A. Doyle M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Christopher J. McDougle M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kimberly A. Stigler M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christopher J. McDougle M.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

    Fred R. Volkmar

  2. AJ Pappanikou Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA

    Brian Reichow

  3. Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

    James C. McPartland

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Doyle, C.A., McDougle, C.J., Stigler, K.A. (2014). Pharmacotherapy of Behavioral Symptoms and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In: Volkmar, F., Reichow, B., McPartland, J. (eds) Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0506-5_9

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation