Over half of kids with autism are given psychiatric drugs

Credit: By Ragesoss (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons

Over 60 percent of children with autism were given psychiatric drugs, reports a study published on October 21. Children were prescribed these drugs in spite of a lack of proof that the drugs are safe or effective. In addition, nearly one third of these children were taking two different psychiatric drugs at the same time, according to the research led by Donna Spencer, Ph.D., from OptumInsight in Minnesota.

The types of medications prescribed for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) included antidepressants, medications for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and antipsychotic medications. “Despite minimal evidence of the effectiveness or appropriateness of multi-drug treatment of ASD, psychotropic medications are commonly used, singly and in combination, for ASD and its co-occurring conditions," reported the researchers.

The researchers reviewed records of over 33,500 children. The records covered a period from 2001 to 2009. They found:

• 64 percent of children were prescribed at least one psychiatric drug
• 35 percent were prescribed at least two psychiatric drugs at the same time
• 15 percent were prescribed at least three psychiatric drugs at the same time

Credit:  Microsoft

The research team expressed concern about the number of prescriptions for children with ASD. They noted that children with autism were more likely to be given medications if they were diagnosed with another disorder such as ADHD or depression. The researchers concluded that there is a “need to develop standards of care around the prescription of psychotropic medications to children with ASD.”

The study, “Psychotropic Medication Use and Polypharmacy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders,” is published in the journal Pediatrics.

If your child has autism and is taking a prescription medication, talk to your medical provider about the risks and benefits of the medication. Additionally, there are non drug treatments for autism that you can discuss with your doctor. These include:

• applied behavior analysis
• occupational therapy
• speech and language therapy
• sensory integration therapy
• dietary changes
• nutritional supplements
• art therapy
• equine therapy

Sources:

Many Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Prescribed at Least One Psychotropic Medication

Psychotropic Medication Use and Polypharmacy in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

This article was originally published by me on Examiner.com.

©Mary M Conneely T/A Advocacy in Action