Medication For Autism and ADHD
Treatments for ADHD can alleviate symptoms of autism that overlap like hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some medications can cause adverse effects.
Research is needed to know the impact of co-occurring symptoms on the outcome of treatment. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) are typically used to treat ADHD and may also help with autism-related symptoms that overlap and other anticonvulsant medicines.
Treatments for Inattention
Autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are both disorders that are co-existing. It is estimated that between 30 and 50% of those diagnosed with autism exhibit increased levels of ADHD symptoms. This co-occurrence has both clinical and epidemiological significance because effective treatment of the core symptomatology of both disorders improves resilience and helps prevent negative coping behavior [1, 2].
The symptoms of ADHD include impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. Medications used for the treatment of ADHD typically reduce these symptoms and can help improve academic, social and behavioral outcomes for people with coexisting autism and ADHD.
In a longitudinal study of cohorts, researchers discovered the same percentage of individuals prescribed psychotropic medications regardless of whether they had autism or not. The medication class and frequency of prescriptions varied between the two groups. The most common medication was stimulant. Atomoxetine and antipsychotics and SSRIs were then prescribed. In a subgroup study, those with ADHD-Combined and with autism were more likely to receive ADHD medications, whereas children who suffer from ADHD-Inattentive were less likely to receive treatment than those with autism alone.
The stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within your brain and brain, which are neurotransmitters involved with motivation as well as reward, decision-making and emotions. Several studies have shown that stimulant drugs are effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms in children with autism and ADHD however, some suffer from side effects such as stomach problems headaches, insomnia, and a loss of appetite.
Nonstimulant medications, like Guanfacine and atomoxetine are shown to reduce ADHD symptoms in children with autism and ADHD. Indirect low-quality evidence suggests that Atypical antipsychotics risperidone and Aripiprazole could reduce irritability among children with ASD, although further research is needed to determine if this is due to reducing ADHD symptoms or a result of these medications on the core ASD behavior.
A better understanding of co-occurring symptoms can help clinicians determine the best time and duration for psychosocial versus pharmacological therapy, and determine the critical moments when treatment may be most efficient. Additionally, a better understanding of how co-occurring symptoms develop and interact over time can help identify the most effective treatments that minimize the adverse effects of ADHD symptoms on the core ASD functions.
Medicines for Hyperactivity
Although few research studies have compared psychopharmacological treatment for coexisting ADHD and autism, available data suggests that individuals with both conditions may benefit from optimal use of medication. In several clinical trials, stimulant drugs (methylphenidate or atomoxetine), which enhance core ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents with ASD, were found to be effective.
The same drugs have been proven to improve social skills of people with autism. However, these drugs are not without risk and should be used under the care of a doctor who is aware of the benefits and risks of each medication. Additionally, individuals with autism can react differently to different medications and certain medications can be harmful in certain situations.
A large survey of the population discovered that two-thirds (63 percent) of children between the ages of 6-11 and 35% of teenagers aged 12-17 with ADHD and autism co-occurring were taking psychotropic drugs. This was comparable to the rates of psychiatric medications utilized by adolescents and children with ADHD by themselves. Comorbid diagnoses such as schizophrenia, intellectual disability, and OCD were more common among individuals with ADHD and ASD in comparison to those who have ADHD by itself.
This study also found that individuals with coexisting ADHD and ASD were less likely to start and continue continuous psychopharmacological treatment than those with ADHD alone. The reasons behind this are unclear but may be due to higher discontinuation rates for those suffering from ASD due to side effects like irritability or issues with doses of methylphenidate.
Comorbid ADHD and Autism are correlated with more impairments than either condition alone. Therefore it is essential to optimize the treatment of both conditions. Research should concentrate on identifying psychosocial therapies that work best for co-existing ADHD/autism. These include parenting training, behavioral therapies and social skills therapy. These are known to reduce ADHD and autism-related disruptive behaviors. Future research should also investigate the developmental pathways of co-occurring disorders to determine when symptoms are changing during the development of the course and how it affects the treatment. This research will assist in develop more specific treatments that are suited to the needs of people who suffer from ADHD and ASD.
Medications for Anxiety
Autism is a complex disorder that affects many different areas including emotions, sleep patterns, concentration, and behavior. While non-medical treatment is usually the first option however, medication can provide relief and give parents and children tools to ensure their success. The medicines that treat ADHD can also assist people who suffer from autism to manage depression and anxiety.
Stimulant medications can be helpful in treating the "core" ADHD symptoms which hinder academic, social and behavioral advancement. For instance, enhancing the ability to concentrate and complete tasks can make a significant improvements in reading, writing, and other academic capabilities. The ability to interact with others may be improved through medication. Also, the frequency of tantrums, aggressive behavior and self-injurious behavior could reduce.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to reduce irritability in children with autism and to improve their mood. These medications include fluoxetine and are referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are known to be effective in treating depression, anxiety and other ailments among those with autism. However, large clinical trials will be needed to verify their effects.
Certain antipsychotics like Aripiprazole and Risperidone, are used to manage the anger, and emotional outbursts, that are common among some individuals with autism. FDA has not yet approved the use of these drugs to treat autism. However, they can be a useful tool for improving the control of emotions for both adults and children.
Researchers are also examining how co-occurring ADHD and autism impact the progression of symptoms over time. A better understanding of these relationships could enable more targeted psychosocial and pharmacological treatment.
It is crucial to know that medication can cause adverse effects, and must be handled with caution. It is recommended to explore other options prior to beginning treatment with medications particularly in children who are young. If properly adjusted, however the medications can help improve the quality of life of those suffering from ADHD and autism.
Medicines for Emotions
When a child with Autism is suffering from extreme depression or anxiety, they can be so severe that they interfere with everyday functioning. In these instances doctors might prescribe medication to help manage the emotions.
Treatments for ADHD can also be used to lessen anxiety and the tendency to be impulsive, both of which are common in autism. These medications are typically employed in combination with other behavioral therapies. Several medications, such as SSRIs are able to reduce anxiety and depression in people with autism. Other medications, such as antipsychotics that are atypical and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, can reduce irritability among people with autism.
While autism and ADHD are separate diagnoses, experts acknowledge that the two disorders often occur in tandem. Around half of children diagnosed with autism exhibit ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and inattention. In the end, many families discover that they have to take medication to treat both conditions.
Adults and children with ADHD and autism are treated most commonly with medication. However, it isn't intended to treat autism or eliminate all the associated behaviors. Instead, knowing it can assist in managing specific symptoms that make it difficult to perform at school and socially.
Research shows that antipsychotics with atypical properties like risperidone can decrease aggression and irritability in people with autism. These medications can also reduce the psychotic symptoms that may be experienced by some people with autism, including hallucinations and delusions.
It is crucial to understand that the majority of the medications approved by Health Canada were not studied specifically on children or adolescents with autism. Rather, most have followed a standard path to being made available for sale which includes clinical observation in a limited number of people with positive outcomes, publication of case reports, increased off-label use, open-label trials and finally placebo-controlled, controlled, randomized studies.
Amphétamines (Adderall Dexedrine Vyvanse) and atomoxetine Strattera are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults and adolescents with co-occurring ASD and ADHD. These drugs are also prescribed to children suffering from pure ADHD. Medications to treat anxiety, including SSRIs, benzodiazepines, and anti-seizure medication, haven't been thoroughly studied in this population, so the evidence for their effectiveness is less compelling.