Medication options for PDDs

Currently, there is no medication that can cure PDDs. Further, the FDA has not approved any drugs just for autism. But, in many cases, medication can treat some of the symptoms that go along with PDDs. for example, it can make behavior better. It can also stop harmful behavior that might hurt the child. Most of all it can allow a child with autism can focus on other things, like learning and talking. Some of these medications have serious risks with their use. Others may make symptoms worse at first or may take several weeks to become effective.

Not every drug can help every child. Autism affects each child differently, just like each drug does. Usually a drug is prescribed for a short trial first, to see if it helps. Different dosages or types of drugs might be work better than others. Together with your doctor you can decide.

• Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a group of antidepressants. SSRIs treat problems caused from an imbalance in one of the body's chemical systems. These imbalances are sometimes a part of autism. SSRIs help reduce repetitive behaviors, aggressiveness and tantrums. They also help improve eye contact.
• Tricyclics are another type of antidepressant. They are used to treat depression and repetitive behaviors. Although these drugs tend to cause more side effects than the SSRIs, sometimes they are more effective for certain people.
• Psychoactive or anti-psychotic medications affect the brain of the person taking them. Use of this group of drugs is the most widely studied treatment for autism. In some people with PDDs, these drugs may decrease hyperactivity. They may also minimize stereotyped behaviors, withdrawal and aggression.
• Stimulants help increase focus and reduce hyperactivity among those with autism. This is particularly true for higher-functioning people. Because of the risk of side effects, careful monitoring by a doctor is important.
• Anti-anxiety drugs can ease anxiety that is sometimes a part of autism.

Adapted from National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2005). Autism Overview: What We Know. NIH Pub. No. 05-5592, May 2005. Accessed on April 4, 2006 at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubskey.cfm?from=autism.