Medication for Autism and ADHD
Parents of children who have co-occurring ASD/ADHD report high rates of use of medications. However, research on psychopharmacological treatments is limited in both number and type.
Risperidone (Risperdal) and Aripiprazole (Abilify) are the only two medications approved by the FDA for use in kids with autism to help reduce aggression and irritability. Other drugs may be beneficial.
Antipsychotics
While the interest in co-occurring ADHD and ASD symptoms has risen but research remains insufficient. There are many psychosocial treatment options for each disorder. However, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of these treatments when they are combined with other symptoms. An improved understanding of how co-occurring psychiatric disorders develop and interact over time will be important to inform both pharmacological and psychosocial strategies.
Many people suffering from ASD suffer from ADHD and other mental disorders such as anxiety or depression. These disorders can be treated with various psychosocial therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and family therapy, and inter-personal therapy. adhd medications could be more effective than pharmacological treatments for certain people suffering from co-occurring ADHD and ASD.
For the most fundamental ASD symptoms, such as low social skills and rigid thinking, non-pharmacological interventions are usually preferred. These include peer support groups and behavioral training. In the case of comorbid ADHD and ASD symptoms like aggression, irritability, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder medications may be beneficial. However Atypical antipsychotics haven't been proven to help improve core ASD symptoms, and the evidence for these medications is sporadic at best.
Current hypotheses suggest that symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and ADHD are mediated by abnormalities in neurotransmitter signalling pathways, especially those that involve glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin.2 These changes affect prefrontal cortex and mesocorticolimbic circuitry which are involved in the regulation of emotions and behavior control.3
A few of these issues are thought to be caused by reduced activity in certain brain regions, such as the striatum. To treat ADHD and ASD various medications that alter dopamine or glutamate levels are being investigated.
Several types are being studied for treatment of comorbid ADHD symptoms and ASD, including risperidone, aripiprazole, and domperidone. A consensus nomenclature is still waiting for dopamine-antagonists.
Antipsychotics are the same as any other medication. The most current data on risperidone and aripiprazole in adults with ASD and ADHD come from controlled, randomized trials. These trials used parallel crossover and withdrawal strategies. In general, these drugs are more effective than placebo in reducing irritability, aggression and enhancing performance. The drugs are generally well-tolerated. However, only one-third of people who are taking these drugs will find that they work well for all or most of their symptoms, and the remaining two-thirds of them will see only partial improvement.
Stimulants
Despite the fact that no medical treatment is generally recommended for autism, medication could be beneficial for certain adults and children. Antipsychotics can reduce anxiety and self-injurious behaviors while stimulants like methylphenidate (which aids in reducing ADHD symptoms) can boost concentration. However, these medications do not address core autism behaviors like restricted and repetitive interests or difficulties communicating. Many people with autism also suffer from co-occurring mental health disorders such as mood disorders, depression or anxiety that affect everyday functioning.
Autism can also cause irritability in children and adults. This can lead outbursts and self-injury, and difficulty with routines or transitions. Risperdal (Risperdal), and aripiprazole (Abilify), are the only two medications that are approved to treat autism-related anger. They are believed to affect the brain's dopamine system which is involved in emotions and decision-making.
The most commonly prescribed ADHD medication is methylphenidate such as Ritalin. It also contains mixed amphetamines, which increase dopamine in the frontal brain lobes. Some studies suggest that these drugs are as effective for patients with autism and ADHD as they are in those with pure ADHD, though other studies suggest that they are less helpful. Parents should consult their physician about whether the benefits of these medications outweigh any potential negative side effects.
Some researchers believe that second-line ADHD medications like Guanfacine and atomoxetine could be more effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms for people with autism. These drugs are believed to work by interfering with the dopamine-norepinephrine axis, which is linked to motivation and mood.
The psychiatrist and a behavioral therapists are striving to help him learn social skills and cope with his anxiety. However, even with these interventions, the hyperactivity and inattention can get in the way of his progress. So his family decided to take an ADHD medication to help him focus.
After adhd medications , he's become more focused at school and in his daily activities. Parents can tell that he's more attentive and attentive to what others are saying and is more involved in group activities. His mother says the medication is a lifesaver.
Benzodiazepines
The benzodiazepines are a group of drugs that slow down the central nervous system, resulting in sleepiness and a calm mood. These drugs are used to treat a variety of ailments, including seizures, anxiety disorders and insomnia. They target specific receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which inhibits brain waves and blocks communication between neurons. By keeping GABA receptors open for longer, and allowing them to be opened more frequently, benzodiazepines increase inhibition and prevent excitatory neuron overactivity. The theory is that characteristic autism-related behaviors are caused by a mismatch between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmissions in the brain. Animal models support this theory, showing that clonazepam reverses some autistic behaviors in mice suffering from Dravet syndrome, a form of epilepsy.
Anxiety is often a co-occurring disorder in people with autism spectrum disorders. In some instances anxiety can be the reason behind an individual's aggressive or self-injurious behavior. In other cases anxiety is a reaction to sensory issues which make life difficult.
Antidepressants are one of the treatment options. They increase the level norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain that is thought to improve self-esteem and cope. They also decrease reuptakes of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. This reduces irritability and anxiety. Atypical antipsychotics like risperidone (Risperdal) and aripiprazole (Abilify), can help with irritability, aggression, and Tourette syndrome in people with autism.
Melatonin could increase the duration and quality of sleep for adults suffering from ASD. However, controlled studies aren't available for this group. Methylphenidate is effective for treating ADHD symptoms in children suffering from ASD however it's not as effective as it is in generally developing children.
The medications for autism and ADHD can be dangerous when not used correctly. It is important to consult with your physician to find the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or teen. Always follow the instructions on the medication label. Do not stop or begin taking your medication suddenly, as this could be extremely risky. If you suspect that you or someone you know has taken too much, seek medical attention immediately. In addition, record your child's weight and height regularly as well as their menstrual cycle to ensure that the meds aren't having any unintended side effects.
Medication Options
Many children with autism have ADHD and it's common for these two conditions to coexist. Treatment is often a part of the treatment program for both. The drugs that are commonly used to treat ADHD -such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamines (Adderall, Vyvanse), Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) -- can be effective in treating the hyperactivity and impulsivity that are associated with autism.
A few children with autism have severe irritability or aggression. These behaviors can be difficult for parents to manage by using only methods for managing behavior. Certain medications such as Abilify and Risperdal can help reduce aggressiveness, irritability and self-injury by the neurotransmitter dopamine. These medications are not approved by the FDA for use with children with autism. However, they are sometimes prescribed off-label to treat specific symptoms.
It's important that parents discuss with their pediatricians if medication is suitable for their child. Numerous studies have shown that children who are taking ADHD medications for coexisting autism may enjoy a better quality of life at home as well as at school, and make significant academic and social, as well as behavioral, progress.
Psychiatrists have been trained to help children with the symptoms of ADHD and autism. They can provide behavior-oriented parental training that includes manuals and classes that teach parents how to reduce disruptive behavior. They can also offer psychosocial services that focus on improving relationships and communication between family members.
Some families, however, prefer using medication to control their child's behavior. Some parents have discovered that the antipsychotics' calming effects can help reduce their child's anger, aggression and self-injury, and may be willing to consider this option if other methods do not work.
Similar to the above, many children who have autism also have mental health issues that hinders their ability to learn and function, for example depression or anxiety. These conditions are often co-occurring and can affect the effectiveness of therapy. For these children that have a variety of disorders, a combination of therapy and medication may be helpful. This approach is particularly helpful for children with a more severe form of autism or those who don't respond to other treatments.