Sometimes those treatments need to be changed for people who have autism. For example, researchers and doctors say that people with autism may be more likely to have certain side effects from SSRIs, such as impulsive or irritable behavior and trouble sleeping.
Does SSRI therapy help autistic children? Research suggests SSRIs don't change the core characteristics of autism in children. Also, emerging evidence suggests they might cause harm. It's possible, however, that SSRIs might help some autistic children with anxiety, but more high-quality research is needed.
SSRI treatment of ASDs
Antidepressant medications (i.e., serotonin-reuptake inhibitors [SRIs]), including SSRIs, are the most commonly prescribed medication class for individuals with ASDs [74].
We know that individuals with autism have higher blood level serotonin and lower levels in the brain. It is linked to the gastrointestinal system and dysfunction in the gut correlates to the severity of the disorder.
People with ASDs may have more sensitivity to medication, and families frequently want to stop a medication early when anything seems amiss. So make sure the team is aware of possible side effects ahead of time.
One person with autism might respond to medications differently than another person with autism or than people who don't have autism. Some medications have serious risks involved with their use.
Many autistic people experience hypersensitivity to bright lights or certain light wavelengths (e.g., LED or fluorescent lights). Certain sounds, smells, textures and tastes can also be overwhelming. This can result in sensory avoidance – trying to get away from stimuli that most people can easily tune out.
Tenuous ties between serotonin and autism first surfaced decades ago. In 1961, a study of 23 autistic people reported that 6 of them had an unusually high level of serotonin in their blood. Since then, researchers have consistently found that about one in four people on the spectrum has high blood serotonin.
Alterations in dopamine signalling have been implied in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and these could be associated with the risk of developing a psychotic disorder in ASD adults. Negative social experiences and feelings of social defeat might result in an increase in dopamine functioning.
Anatomical brain abnormalities, genetic anomalies, and neurochemical dysfunctions of various neurotransmitters and neuropeptides including GABA and glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, N-acetyl aspartate, oxytocin, arginine-vasopressin, melatonin, vitamin D, orexin, opioids, and acetylcholine contribute to the onset of ...
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.
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.
Mood stabilizing autism medication
Lithium, Lamictal, Depakene, Depakote, Tegretol, Topamax, Trileptal, and Keppra are options to explore with your child's pediatrician.
There is some evidence to support the use of talking therapy with autistic people, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT has been adapted for autistic people but more research is needed to understand how effective it is at treating depression. Find out more about CBT on our page about anxiety and autism.
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.
There are three different groups of medications that influence the serotonin levels: the SSRIs, SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), and tricyclic antidepressants. The SSRIs are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for autistic individuals to treat anxiety, mood issues, and irritability.
There are varying diagnoses within the category of autism, and under the umbrella of high functioning autism subtypes include asperger's syndrome, pathological demand avoidance, Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) — also known as atypical autism.
People with level 1 or high-functioning autism are often able to function far more independently than those with more severe autism. They too have challenges with social communication, but typically have strong language skills.
The SSRIs most commonly prescribed to autistic people are fluoxetine and sertraline. Sertraline is often the top choice because its side effects are milder than those of other SSRIs and because it has fewer interactions with other drugs.
Serotonin and Autism Research
The studies also reveal that those with low brain serotonin see some of their symptoms worsen such as: Increased repetitive behaviors. More irritability and mood swings. Heightened challenge with social behavior and face processing.
Research suggests autistic people are more prone to experiencing anxiety and estimates that up to half of all autistic people experience high levels of anxiety on a regular basis. If you or someone you know is struggling with high levels of anxiety, there is support and help available.
This document is about communicating your needs as an autistic person, when accessing health and. mental health services. There are three sections in the Health Passport: My Health Passport: A section about your general health, communication and sensory needs.
In comparison to neurotypical children, children with ASD showed less proneness to guilt, although all children showed relatively high levels of proneness to guilt. Greater ToM ability was related to more proneness to guilt and authentic pride in children with ASD.
Touch is an important component of many social experiences for many people. Autistic children commonly avoid social touch more than non-autistic peers. It is generally thought that this is due to autistic individuals experiencing hyper- or hyposensitivity of touch.