Factors affecting burden of psychopharmacological medication in patients with autism spectrum disorder: The importance of early diagnosis

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study is to specify the frequency in psychopharmacological medication use in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and determine their age range at diagnosis. Methods: Five hundred and twenty three children with ASD who applied to Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children Research and Training Hospital between 2010 -2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Data has been obtained from computerized hospital information system. Individuals with the diagnosis of Autism (F84.0), Atypical Autism (F84.1) and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Other Specified (F84.9) were screened. Results: Psychotropic medication was recommended to 28.5% of the 523 children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD. Antipsychotics were the most common drugs of choice among psychotropic medications. The mean age at diagnosis of patients taking psychotropic medication was significantly higher than that of the patients who were not taking psychotropic medication (t=-3.064; p<0.01). The rate of psychotropic drug usage in female patients was significantly high than male patients (χ²=6.675; p=0.01). Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that the delay of diagnosis can be included as a factor for psychotropic medication need of patients with ASD. Nearly half of the patients have been diagnosed in the first three years of their life. For further benefits of studies in Turkey, evaluating the psychopharmacological drug prescription rate, age of diagnosis and related factors to determine the present situation of psychotropic medication in our country will be necessary.