Research indicates that SSRIs might help reduce the intensity and frequency of these autism-related behaviors: repetitive actions. anxiety. irritability.
Similarly, a few small studies of adults with autism found that Luvox may help with obsessive-compulsive behavior, and fluoxetine (Prozac) with anxiety, according to the Cochrane Collaboration, an independent network of scientists and researchers.
There is some evidence to suggest that cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based therapies may help autistic people with depression. However, these therapies need to be adapted to make them more suitable. For example, therapists could: use clear examples and unambiguous language.
The only medications approved by the FDA for children with autism are Abilify and Risperdal. Both are antipsychotic medications that can help with irritability and aggression. Medication can also be helpful for kids who also have another diagnosis.
The risk of autism from taking antidepressants is small, if it exists at all. And severe depression during pregnancy or afterward can be harmful to both the mother and the child. But the risk-benefit analysis for the drugs will be different for each woman.
People with autism have a variant in their gut serotonin transporter which boosts the amount of serotonin into the blood. Conversely, individuals with autism have lower levels of serotonin in the brain than neurotypical individuals.
There have been studies published that support the use of these medications in children with autism, but have not been approved for the treatment of autism yet. Wellbutrin can also be used but does not have FDA approval for use in children.
For those with autism, anxiety drugs are best used in combination with behavioral interventions. Among high-functioning individuals, they may be particularly effective when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Xanax, Niravam, Buspar, Ativan, Vivitrol, Valium, melatonin, and antihistamines are commonly used to manage seizure disorders in children with ASD.
Talking therapy
Talking to a therapist can help you find ways to cope with difficult situations, identify techniques to help you relax or support you in your relationships. Clinical trials have shown that cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is effective for anxiety disorders in children and young people with autism.
Rather than looking tired and sad, a depressed person who has autism may be irritable or agitated, or have emotional outbursts, according to research. Unfortunately, there are no lab tests or scans for depression. Doctors typically rely on a patient's ability to describe his feelings.
Risperidone (Risperdal) and Aripiprazole (Abilify) are the only drugs approved by the FDA for children with autism spectrum disorder. Risperidone can be prescribed for children between 5 and 16 years old to help with irritability and aggression. Aripiprazole can be prescribed for children between 6 and 17 years old.
Behavioral Therapy
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and related therapies are usually considered to be the "gold standard" of autism-specific treatment. Many districts offer ABA classrooms or provide ABA therapists as part of the school's disability program.
Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication given to kids who have extreme behavior problems like being very aggressive or angry. It's sometimes used for kids with autism, ADHD or ODD (oppositional defiant disorder) who are acting out in dangerous ways.
Certain types of medications can help manage severe Asperger's symptoms or related conditions. These medications include: Antidepressants (SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Anti-psychotics.
Aripiprazole (Abilify®)
Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication and is also used for treatment of irritability of autism.
The most commonly prescribed medications are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate, Quillivant), amphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse, Dyanavel), atomoxetine (Strattera), and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Difficult social situations and sensory environments can increase stress and increase anxiety for autistic people. Another significant cause of anxiety is a sense of being misunderstood and/or not accepted by non-autistic people. To 'fit in' and not be seen as different, autistic people might mask or camouflage.
Double duty: The antidepressant Prozac has no effect on children with autism, but seems to improve repetitive behaviors in adults with the disorder.
Stimulants don't change the core characteristics of autism.
But some evidence suggests that stimulants can help autistic children with ADHD pay attention and behave less impulsively. In turn, this can help them at school and in social situations.
It is also approved for the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults. It is not approved for children under the age of 12 years. Escitalopram is not approved for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
These data seem to cautiously suggest a potential use of gabapentin for anxiety in ASD. Gabapentin acts on the GABAergic system and literature data have reported the presence of an imbalance between excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic pathways in ASD [5].
Benzodiazepines, especially lorazepam, remain the mainstay of treatment in children with autistic catatonia [4],[11]–[14]. Diagnosis is by means of a “lorazepam test”. If catatonia subsides, albeit temporarily, after 2 mg of lorazepam, the test is considered positive [15].
Additionally, there is evidence that ASD is related to the general hypoactivation of the reward system (31). New genetic research has discovered genetic variants and mutations of dopamine transporter (DAT) that alter dopamine transmission and consequently lead to ASD-like behavior patterns (32, 33).