Stimulant medication treatment of target behaviors in children with autism: a population-based study

Abstract

Objective: This study provides detailed information about stimulant medication treatment for the target symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, disinhibition, and inattention in children with autism.

Methods: In a previous study, 124 subjects fulfilling DSM-IV-based research criteria for autistic disorder were identified among all 0-21 year old residents of Olmsted County, MN from 1976-1997. For each of these 124 children with research-identified autism, information was abstracted on all prescribed psychopharmacological medications.

Results: Psychostimulants were used to treat 52.4% (N = 65) of the 124 subjects. The median total duration of psychostimulant treatment was 4.0 years. There were 398 episodes of psychostimulant treatment. Favorable responses were associated with 69.4% of treatment episodes. Of the 398 episodes of stimulant treatment, 16.8% were associated with a documented side effect. At least one side effect was experienced by 66% of the children.

Conclusion: These results indicate that psychostimulants are commonly prescribed for children with autism, and suggest that these medications may improve the target symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, disinhibition and inattention.

Figures

Figure 1

Flow diagram describing ascertainment of research-identified autism incident cases among residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, age ≤ 21 years, during 1976-1997. IQ= Intelligence Quotient. DQ=developmental quotient. * At least two unique symptoms of impaired reciprocal social interaction, at least one symptom of impaired communication, at least one symptom of unusual/repetitive behavior, and a total of at least six unique symptoms of autism.