Quickbite: Autism spectrum disorder: the place of pharmacological approaches

Patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can present with a wide variety of symptoms and behaviours. While some of these may be core features of autism, some are not. Others may mask potentially co-existing conditions amenable to pharmacological treatments.

This module looks at the role of medication in ASD, while acknowledging the absence of any evidence that psychopharmacological agents have a direct effect on their core features.

The module will not consider the treatment of conditions that co-exist with ASD, such as anxiety disorders, depressive illnesses and psychotic disorders; however, some of the same principles will apply.

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you should:

• recognise the limited role of medication in treating patients with ASD
• be aware of cases where drug treatment may be indicated
• be able to prescribe appropriately for specific symptoms in patients with ASD
• be aware of drug treatments in catatonia and self-injurious behaviour.

Availability

This module is available as part of a CPD eLearning subscription.