Definition
Autism is a pathology of neuropsychic development, which leads to cognitive, behavioral and sensory problems. Usually, autism occurs within the first three years of life and remains for the life of patients who are affected.
Autism most often affects males compared to females.
Causes
The exact etiology of autism has not yet been identified, but it is believed that the causes of this disorder are multifactorial. More in detail, it is believed that the factors that cause the development of autism are genetic, environmental and neurological.
Symptoms
Patients with autism have serious difficulties communicating, relating to other people and adapting to the environment around them.
Autistic patients can also manifest intellectual disability, learning disabilities, aggressiveness, impulsive behavior, catatonia, tics, nervousness, loss of motor coordination, anxiety disorders, echolalia and insomnia.
Furthermore, it may happen that - in conjunction with autism - patients present other disorders such as, for example, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy and Tourette syndrome.
Information on Autism - Drugs for Autism Treatment is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Autism - Autism Treatment Medicines.
drugs
Unfortunately, nowadays, there is no specific cure for autism.
The treatments that can be undertaken are supportive and aim to minimize, as far as possible, the symptoms induced by the disease.
Very important are cognitive-behavioral therapies, family therapy and educational interventions. In fact, these therapeutic strategies seek to improve the communication skills and social and behavioral abilities of patients.
The pharmacological treatment, on the other hand, is aimed at treating any associated disorders (such as epilepsy or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and improving symptoms such as anxiety disorders and aggression (for which they will be used antipsychotic drugs).
For the treatment of sleep disorders associated with autism, however, the intake of melatonin may be useful.
methylphenidate
Methylphenidate (Equasym ®, Medicebran ®, Medikinet ®, Ritalin ®) is a benzyl-piperidine structure drug that has specific indications for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
It is available for oral administration. Usually, the initial dose of drug used is 5 mg, to be taken once or twice a day. The doctor, then, can gradually increase the amount of drug administered until the most suitable dose for each patient's condition is reached. However, the maximum administrable dose is 60 mg of methylphenidate per day.
antiepileptic
Antiepileptic drugs are used in the supportive treatment of autism when epilepsy is associated with it.
Among the different drugs that can be used we remember sodium valproate (Depakin ®, Depakin Chrono ®). This active ingredient performs an anticonvulsant action and is available for oral administration. In children it is particularly indicated to use the oral solution or granulate for oral solution. The initial dose of valproate normally used is 10-15 mg / kg of body weight. Subsequently, the doctor can gradually increase the amount of drug administered, until the optimal maintenance dose is reached for each patient. However, the maintenance dose usually given to children is 30 mg / kg of body weight per day, to be taken in two divided doses.
For more information regarding the treatment of epilepsy, see the article on "Drugs for the treatment of epilepsy".
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics can be used to treat aggression caused by autism.
The active ingredient most commonly used in these cases is risperidone (Risperdal ®). It is a drug available in different pharmaceutical forms suitable for different administration routes.
When used orally, the dose of medication usually used in children weighing less than 50 kg is 0.25-0.75 mg per day. In children with a body weight above 50 kg, the dose of risperidone usually administered is 0.5-1 mg per day.
