Galantamine in the treatment of adult autism: a report of three clinical cases.

Objective: To study the usefulness of galantamine, a competitive, reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI), in adults diagnosed with autism (in accordance with DSM-IV-TR Axis I clinical criteria) before age three years.

Methods: To promote verbalization and meaningful speech sound production through biochemical enhancement of the serotonergic subsystem of the central nervous system (CNS), galantamine 4 mg qhs was administered, with indicated dose increases.

Results: Verbal fluency increased in all patients, according to their caregivers.

Divalproex sodium to treat concomitant substance abuse and mood disorders.

A retrospective chart review of psychiatric outpatients selected for a combination of alcohol (or other substance abuse) and mood disorders. A subgroup of patients treated with divalproex sodium diminished their substance abuse during the period of treatment for their disorders. This pilot study suggests that prospective, systematic research on divalproex sodium for dual diagnosis is warranted.