Recent Updates in Psychopharmacology for the Core and Associated Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn P. Thom ◽  
Joseph A. Pereira ◽  
Danielle Sipsock ◽  
Christopher J. McDougle
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
The Core ◽  
Associated Symptoms

scholarly journals Excitation/Inhibition Modulators in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Current Clinical Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Canitano ◽  
Roberto Palumbi
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Clinical Approach ◽  
Gabaergic Neurotransmission ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
The Core ◽  
Associated Symptoms

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social and communication abnormalities. Heterogeneity in the expression and severity of the core and associated symptoms poses difficulties in classification and the overall clinical approach. Synaptic abnormalities have been observed in preclinical ASD models. They are thought to play a major role in clinical functional abnormalities and might be modified by targeted interventions. An imbalance in excitatory to inhibitory neurotransmission (E/I imbalance), through altered glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, respectively, is thought to be implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. Glutamatergic and GABAergic agents have been tested in clinical trials with encouraging results as to efficacy and tolerability. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of E/I modulators in the treatment of ASD and on the safety and efficacy of the current agents.

scholarly journals Defining the core components of Family Navigation for autism spectrum disorder

Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 526-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarabeth Broder-Fingert ◽  
Nicole A Stadnick ◽  
Emily Hickey ◽  
Julia Goupil ◽  
Yaminette Diaz Lindhart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Intervention Component ◽  
The Core ◽  
Training And Supervision ◽  
Core Components ◽  
Intervention Description

This study aimed to define the core components of Family Navigation for autism spectrum disorder, a promising intervention to reduce disparities in care for this population. Teams from four trials of Family Navigation for autism spectrum disorder completed the Template for Intervention Description and Replication checklist to outline intervention components. Through intervention component analysis and qualitative synthesis, we identified 11 core components across three domains: Training and Supervision, Navigator Tools, and Navigator Activities. We discuss the importance of identifying these core components and implications for future research and practice.

scholarly journals CBD-enriched cannabis for autism spectrum disorder: an experience of a single center in Turkey and reviews of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Serap Bilge ◽  
Barış Ekici
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Average Dose ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Symptoms

Abstract Introduction Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication, social interaction, restricted interest, and repetitive behaviors. Although more cases are being diagnosed, no drugs are approved to treat the core symptoms or cognitive and behavioral problems associated with autism. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an effective and safe treatment. Objective In this study, we aim to share our 2-year experience with CBD-enriched cannabis treatment in autism and review the latest studies. Materials and methods The study included 33 (27 males, six females) children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who were followed up between January 2018 and August 2020. The mean age was 7.7 ± 5.5 years. The average daily dosage of cannabidiol (CBD) was 0.7 mg/kg/day (0.3–2 mg/kg/day). The median duration of treatment was 6.5 months (3–28 months). The preparations used in this study contained full-spectrum CBD and trace elements tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of less than 3%. Results The outcomes were evaluated before and after treatment based on clinical interviews. At each follow-up visit, parents were asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the CBD-enriched cannabis treatment. According to the parents’ reports, no change in daily life activity was reported in 6 (19.35%) patients. The main improvements of the treatment were as follows: a decrease in behavioral problems was reported in 10 patients (32.2%), an increase in expressive language was reported in 7 patients (22.5%), improved cognition was reported in 4 patients (12,9%), an increase in social interaction was reported in 3 patients (9.6%), and a decrease in stereotypes was reported in 1 patient (3.2%). The parents reported improvement in cognition among patients who adhered to CBD-enriched cannabis treatment for over two years. The antipsychotic drug could be stopped only in one patient who showed mild ASD symptoms. No change could be made in other drug use and doses. Additionally, this study includes an extensive review of the literature regarding CBD treatment in autism spectrum disorder. According to recent studies, the average dose of CBD was 3.8±2.6 mg/kg/day. The ratio of CBD to THC in the used preparations was 20:1. The most significant improvements were seen in the behavioral problems reported in 20–70% of the patients. Conclusion Using lower doses of CBD and trace THC seems to be promising in managing behavioral problems associated with autism. In addition, this treatment could be effective in managing the core symptoms and cognitive functions. No significant side effects were seen at the low doses of CBD-enriched cannabis when compared to other studies.

177. Autism Behavior Inventory – A Novel Tool for Assessment of Changes in Core and Associated Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

2017 ◽  
Vol 81 (10) ◽  
pp. S73-S74
Author(s):  
Abigail Bangerter ◽  
Seth Ness ◽  
David Lewin ◽  
Michael Aman ◽  
Anna Esbensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Associated Symptoms ◽  
Autism Behavior

scholarly journals Improved symptoms following bumetanide treatment in children aged 3 to 6 years with autism spectrum disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Dai ◽  
Lingli Zhang ◽  
Juehua Yu ◽  
Xin Zhou ◽  
Hua He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Global Improvement ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Symptoms

AbstractWith the drug therapy for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) currently limited, here we reported a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the efficacy, safety, and potential neural mechanism of bumetanide in children with ASD aged 3 to 6 years old. There were 120 children entered into the study and randomly assigned to either 0.5mg bumetanide or placebo. In the final sample, 119 received at least one dose of bumetanide (59 children) or placebo (60 children). The primary outcome was the score reduction of Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the secondary outcomes were the score of Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI) -Global Improvement (CGI-I) at 3 months and the change from baseline to 3-month in Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to measure γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate neurotransmitter concentrations in the insular cortex (IC) before and after the treatment. As compared with the placebo, bumetanide treatment was significantly better in reducing severity. No patient withdrew from the trial due to adverse events. The superiority of bumetanide to placebo in reducing insular GABA, measured using MRS, was demonstrated. The clinical improvement was associated with the decrease in insular GABA in the bumetanide group. In conclusion, this trial in a large group of young children with predominantly moderate and severe ASD demonstrated that bumetanide is safe and effective in improving the core symptoms of ASD. However, the clinical significance remains uncertain and future multi-center clinical trials are required to replicate these findings and confirm the clinical significance using a variety of outcome measures.

scholarly journals Pharmacotherapy of emotional and behavioral symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-402 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Symptoms ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
The Core ◽  
Patterns Of Behavior ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Core Symptoms

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairment in social communication and restricted patterns of behavior. Although there is no pharmacological treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the core symptoms of ASD, there is mounting support in the literature for the management of behavioral symptoms associated with this developmental disorder, in particular, irritability and hyperactivity. Aripiprazole and risperidone are currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of irritability in youth with ASD. Though not FDA-approved, methylphenidate and guanfacine are effective for the management of hyperactivity in children with ASD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are often used in clinical practice to target anxiety and compulsions; however, there is little evidence to support its use in this population. There is a great need for further research on the safety and efficacy of existing psychotropic medications in youth with ASD, as well as the development of new treatment modalities for the core and associated behavioral symptoms.

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