Pharmacotherapy of behavioral symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities in adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders

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.