Autism: Lack of Evidence for Antidepressants, Study Concludes

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Autism: Lack of Evidence for Antidepressants, Study Concludes

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Despite some evidence of benefits in adults diagnosed with autism, they say

there is no evidence for any benefits associated with selective serotonin

reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in children, who may suffer serious adverse effects

as a result of taking the drugs.

suffer serious adverse effects as a result of taking the drugs.

suffer serious adverse effects as a result of taking the drugs.

ScienceDaily (Aug. 7, 2010) — Antidepressants commonly prescribed to people with

autistic spectrum disorders cannot be recommended based on current evidence, a

new study by Cochrane Researchers concludes. Despite some evidence of benefits

in adults diagnosed with autism, they say there is no evidence for any benefits

associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in children, who

may suffer serious adverse effects as a result of taking the drugs.

Autistic spectrum disorders are difficult to treat because of the range of

symptoms experienced by patients, including difficulties with social

interactions and communication. SSRIs are among the most commonly prescribed

medications, although none have been specifically approved by any drug authority

for use in autism. In the UK, most antidepressants are not approved for children

for any condition. The rationale behind the use of SSRIs in autism is that they

act on serotonin, the same chemical in the body that is responsible for some of

the psychological processes affected by the condition.

The researchers included a total of seven trials, involving 271 patients, in

their study. The trials evaluated fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, fenfluramine and

citalopram. Overall, the researchers found no benefit in the five trials in

children and some evidence of serious harm, including one child who suffered a

prolonged seizure after taking citalopram. The two trials in adults were very

small and thus, although there was some evidence for improvement in symptoms,

the authors concluded there was too little evidence for the drugs to be

recommended. A major problem with analysing the results was that all the trials

used different measures for assessing the drugs' effects.

" We can't recommend SSRIs as treatments for children, or adults, with autism at

this time. However, decisions about the use of SSRIs for co-occurring

obsessive-compulsive disorder, aggression, anxiety or depression in individuals

with autism should be made on a case by case basis, " said lead author Katrina

of the School of Women's and Children's Health at the University of New

South Wales & Sydney Children's Hospital in Sydney, Australia.

" Not all the SSRIs currently in use have undergone controlled trials for

autistic spectrum disorders, but parents are often anxious to try treatments

regardless of the lack of evidence. It's important that doctors are open about

the lack of evidence, and explain any risks fully, before prescribing these

treatments. "