Introduction: The antipsychotic drugs are the best-studied agents shown to reduce symptoms in autism, including hyperactivity, aggression, self-abusive behavior, temper tantrums, lability, irritability, social withdrawal, and stereotypical behaviors. However, significant weight gain has been associated with use of many atypical agents. Ziprasidone has been weight neutral in adult populations, but data from adolescents and patients with autism are sparse. However, ziprasidone administration has been associated with increases in the QTc. The purpose of this study was to collect pilot data on the efficacy and safety of ziprasidone in adolescents with autism, focusing on safety issues of weight gain and QTc.
Methods: Twelve adolescents with autism (mean age 14.5 +/- 1.8 years) were treated in a 6-week open pilot study. Ziprasidone dosage ranged from 20 to 160 mg/day (mean, 98.3 +/- 40.4 mg/day). The primary efficacy measure was the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement item (CGI-I); other efficacy measures included the Aberrant Behavior Checklist and the Children's Psychiatric Rating Scale.
Results: Based on the CGI-I, 9 of 12 (75%) patients were treatment responders. Ziprasidone was weight neutral, and the QTc increased by a mean of 14.7 msec. Two subjects had acute dystonic reactions. Cholesterol decreased and prolactin remained the same.
Conclusions: Ziprasidone shows promise as a treatment for adolescents with autism. More definitive trials are needed.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/cap.2006.0126 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Reports of Echolalia and Related Behaviors in Autism From Parents, Teachers, and Clinicians: Evidence From the Simon Simplex Collection.
Autism Res
January 2025
Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Echolalia, the immediate or delayed repetition of speech, is a core diagnostic criterion for autism spectrum disorder. It has been studied for over 50 years and is well-described; however, no consensus on prevalence estimates exists for echolalia's occurrence in autistic youth. The current study sought to (1) describe endorsement of echolalia-related items using parent-, teacher-, and clinician-reports in a well-validated sample of autistic youth and (2) characterize relations between echolalia and other key factors, including age, language ability, and repetitive behaviors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMalay translation and validation of modified checklist for autism in toddlers, revised with follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F).
Front Pediatr
December 2024
Child Development Centre (CDC), Department of Pediatrics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition diagnosed clinically based on phenotypic characteristics and criteria such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Due to its significant social, emotional, and psychological impacts, early identification and diagnosis are crucial for starting early intervention and improving outcomes. A screening tool is imperative in identifying young children at risk so timely intervention can be instituted.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMolecular architecture of the altered cortical complexity in autism.
Mol Autism
January 2025
Human Anatomy Department, Nanjing Medical University, No.101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying these neurodevelopmental abnormalities remain elusive. We integrated microscale brain gene expression data with macroscale MRI data from 1829 participants, including individuals with ASD and typically developing controls, from the autism brain imaging data exchange I and II.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: Our goals were to: 1) examine the occurrence of behavioral and emotional symptoms in children on the autism spectrum in a large national sample, stratifying by sex, and 2) evaluate whether children with increased autism-related social communication deficits also experience more behavioral and emotional problems.
Methods: Participants (n = 7,998) were from 37 cohorts from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program. Cross-sectional information on demographic factors, parent-report of an ASD diagnosis by clinician, Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) scores, and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scores were obtained for children aged 2.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!