PH3113 - Psychiatric Disease and its Pharmacology 9

Question 1

What are the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Answer 1

Impaired socialisation
- non-verbal skills
- peer relationships
- sharing activities/interests
- reciprocity or absence of social judgement
Impaired communication
- delay in verbal language
- expressive language

Restricted stereotyped and repetitive patterns of behaviour that impair or restrict everyday function

Question 2

How is ASD diagnosed?

Answer 2

Persistent deficit in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts
- non-verbal
- social
- emotional reciprocity
- developing and maintaining relationships
Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour
Leads to functional limitations
Develop early in development and not attributable to other cause
May or not have intellectual impairment

Question 3

What is the treatment for autism?

Answer 3

NEED early diagnosis and defined biomarkers
Currently, intervention is through family and education support
Only some specific programs have an evidence base
Aim is to improve the functional status through skill acquisition in core areas
- developing relationships
- achieving social and environmental milestones through play
- positive reinforcement of social communication

Question 4

What pharmacological treatments are there for autism?

Answer 4

Developmental
- hyperactivity/impulsivity
- see ADHD
Psychiatric
- SSRIs and other antidepressants for depression
- atypical antipsychotics for OCD
- SSRI or alpha-2 agonists for anxiety
Behavioural
- atypical antipsychotics
- irritability
- aggression
Sensory
Neurological
- anticonvulsants and fits
- alpha-2 agonists for tics
Gastrointestinal
- constipation/diarrhoea
- diet related?
Sleep disruption
- melatonin
- clonidine