A pharmacogenetic study of escitalopram in autism spectrum disorders.

Objective: To determine the effect of serotonin transporter polymorphism promoter region (5-HTTPLR) genotypic variation (low, intermediate, and high expression groups) on response to escitalopram treatment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Method: The study used a forced titration, open label design, with genotype blind until study completion. Participants were children and adolescents aged 4-17 years of age with a confirmed ASD (autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified).

A prospective, open-label trial of memantine in the treatment of cognitive, behavioral, and memory dysfunction in pervasive developmental disorders.

Background: This pilot study examined the effectiveness of memantine hydrochloride in improving cognitive functioning and behavioral symptoms in children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs).

Method: Subjects aged 3-12 years inclusive were enrolled in this 8-week, open-label study. Expressive and receptive language, nonverbal IQ, and nonverbal memory measures were administered at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment with 0.