BMJ  2007;334:1069-1070 (26 May), doi:10.1136/bmj.39216.583333.80

Editorials

Antipsychotic drugs in children with autism

Inadequacies in care should not be masked by the indiscriminate use of symptom controlling drugs

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

The core problems of autism—those involving social interaction, communication, and restricted and repetitive activities—can be compounded by behavioural problems, including severe tempers, aggression, and irritability.¹ Severe aggression places a special burden on carers; it is more common in people with marked intellectual retardation and is related to poor daily living skills and impaired communication. Currently, no drugs are available to treat the underlying autistic condition. Specialised educational programmes, behaviour therapy, and environmental changes can improve aggressive behaviour,¹ but if they fail drug treatments should be considered.² Behavioural problems related to depression or attention deficit can be addressed by relevant therapy; but if the problem of aggression is unresponsive to these manoeuvres the need for symptom control arises. Major tranquillisers in particular have been used off-label, but their place has been uncertain because of doubts about safety and (until recently) efficacy.

Two well conducted double blind placebo controlled studies have compared . . . [Full text of this article]

¹ Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, London SW8 5NQ, ² Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London SE5 8AF

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This article has been cited by other articles:

• James, A. (2008). Pharmacotherapy and child psychiatry: is there a way forward?: INVITED COMMENTARY ON... CHILD PSYCHIATRY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY. Adv. Psychiatr. Treat. 14: 10-16 [Abstract] [Full text]  

Rapid Responses:

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Packing therapy in children and adolescent with autism and serious behavioural problems

Jean-Louis GOEB, et al.
bmj.com, 30 May 2007 [Full text]

Antipsychotics should not be used for the management of behavioural problems in any group of children

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Lakshmiprabha Ramasubramanian
bmj.com, 2 Jul 2007 [Full text]

Treatment of symptoms

Joan McClusky
bmj.com, 4 Jul 2007 [Full text]

Response to the initial electronic correspondence

Susan C Morgan, et al.
bmj.com, 10 Jul 2007 [Full text]