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Early pharmacological treatment of autism: a rationale for developmental treatment.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Bethea, TC; Sikich, L
Published in: Biol Psychiatry
February 15, 2007

Autism is a dynamic neurodevelopmental syndrome in which disabilities emerge during the first three postnatal years and continue to evolve with ongoing development. We briefly review research in autism describing subtle changes in molecules important in brain development and neurotransmission, in morphology of specific neurons, brain connections, and in brain size. We then provide a general schema of how these processes may interact with particular emphasis on neurotransmission. In this context, we present a rationale for utilizing pharmacologic treatments aimed at modifying key neurodevelopmental processes in young children with autism. Early treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is presented as a model for pharmacologic interventions because there is evidence in autistic children for reduced brain serotonin synthesis during periods of peak synaptogenesis; serotonin is known to enhance synapse refinement; and exploratory studies with these agents in autistic children exist. Additional hypothetical developmental interventions and relevant published clinical data are described. Finally, we discuss the importance of exploring early pharmacologic interventions within multiple experimental settings in order to develop effective treatments as quickly as possible while minimizing risks.

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Published In

Biol Psychiatry

DOI

ISSN

0006-3223

Publication Date

February 15, 2007

Volume

61

Issue

4

Start / End Page

521 / 537

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
  • Psychiatry
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Humans
  • Early Intervention, Educational
  • Brain
  • Autistic Disorder
  • Animals
  • 52 Psychology
  • 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences
 

Citation

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Bethea, T. C., & Sikich, L. (2007). Early pharmacological treatment of autism: a rationale for developmental treatment. Biol Psychiatry, 61(4), 521–537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.09.021
Bethea, Terrence C., and Linmarie Sikich. “Early pharmacological treatment of autism: a rationale for developmental treatment.Biol Psychiatry 61, no. 4 (February 15, 2007): 521–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.09.021.
Bethea TC, Sikich L. Early pharmacological treatment of autism: a rationale for developmental treatment. Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Feb 15;61(4):521–37.
Bethea, Terrence C., and Linmarie Sikich. “Early pharmacological treatment of autism: a rationale for developmental treatment.Biol Psychiatry, vol. 61, no. 4, Feb. 2007, pp. 521–37. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.09.021.
Bethea TC, Sikich L. Early pharmacological treatment of autism: a rationale for developmental treatment. Biol Psychiatry. 2007 Feb 15;61(4):521–537.
Journal cover image

Published In

Biol Psychiatry

DOI

ISSN

0006-3223

Publication Date

February 15, 2007

Volume

61

Issue

4

Start / End Page

521 / 537

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
  • Psychiatry
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Humans
  • Early Intervention, Educational
  • Brain
  • Autistic Disorder
  • Animals
  • 52 Psychology
  • 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences