Medication For Autism and ADHD
The use of medications for ADHD can treat symptoms of autism that overlap, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some medications can cause adverse effects.
Research is needed to better understand how co-occurring symptom trajectories affect the outcomes of treatment. Drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin) are typically used to treat ADHD and may help with autism-related symptoms that are overlapping, as do some anticonvulsant medications.
Inattention Medicines
Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are disorders that can coexist. Between 30 and 50% of those diagnosed with autism also suffer from ADHD symptoms. This is clinically and epidemiologically significant as effective treatment of the primary symptoms of both disorders enhances adaptive functioning and helps prevent negative behaviors of coping [1 2, 3].
Symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. types of adhd medication used in the treatment of ADHD typically reduce these symptoms and can help improve social, academic and behavioral outcomes for individuals with coexisting autism and ADHD.
In one longitudinal cohort study, researchers found that the proportion of people who were prescribed psychotropic medications was similar in individuals with and without co-existing autism. The class of medication and frequency of prescriptions differed in the two groups. The most commonly used medication was stimulant, which was followed by atomoxetine, then antipsychotics and SSRIs. In a subgroup analysis people with ADHD-Combined as well as those with autism were more likely to receive ADHD medications, whereas children who suffer from ADHD-Inattentive were less likely to be medicated than children with autism on their own.
Stimulants increase the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters in your brain that are linked to motivation, reward, and decision-making. Stimulant drugs have been proven to be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms in children with autism and ADHD. However there are some who might experience adverse effects such as headaches, stomach issues, and insomnia.
Non-stimulant drugs like Guanfacine and atomoxetine also appear to decrease ADHD symptoms in those with autism and ADHD. Indirect low-quality evidence suggests that the atypical antipsychotics risperidone and aripiprazole may reduce irritability in children with ASD however further research is required to determine whether this is an effect of reducing ADHD symptoms or an effect of these medications on the core ASD behavior.
A better understanding of the co-occurring symptoms can assist clinicians to determine the best time and duration for pharmacological treatment versus psychosocial therapy, and pinpoint the crucial periods where intervention may be most efficient. In addition, improved knowledge of how co-occurring symptoms develop and interact over time can aid in the identification of the most effective treatments that minimize the adverse effects of ADHD symptoms on the core ASD functions.
Hyperactivity Medications
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 a number of clinical trials, stimulant drugs (methylphenidate or atomoxetine), which improve core ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents with ASD have been proven to be effective.
These same drugs have also been proven to be effective in improving social skills for people with autism. However, these medicines are not completely safe and should only be administered under the supervision of a doctor who is well-versed in the advantages and risks of each medication. Moreover, people with autism can react differently to different medications, and many medications are harmful in certain situations.
A large population-based study found that two-thirds of children aged 6 to 11 and three quarters of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 with co-occurring ADHD and autism were taking some type of psychotropic medication. This was comparable to the rates of psychiatric medication use in children and youth with ADHD on their own. ASD-related diagnoses such as schizophrenia, intellectual disability, OCD, and substance abuse disorder were more common in people with ADHD and ASD than in those with ADHD by themselves.
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. This is due to the higher rates of discontinuation in ASD patients due to side effects such as irritability and difficulties in absorbing doses of methylphenidate.
Comorbid ADHD and Autism are linked with more impairments than either condition on its own. Therefore it is essential to optimize treatment for both disorders. Research should concentrate on identifying the psychosocial treatments that work best for coexisting ADHD/autism. These include the use of behavioral therapies, parent education, and social skills therapy. They are known to reduce ADHD and autism-related disruptive behaviors. Future research should also investigate the development trajectories of co-existing disorders to determine if symptoms change throughout the development process and how this impacts treatment. This research will help to create more specific interventions that are tailored to the needs of people with ADHD and ASD.
Medications for Anxiety
Autism is a multifaceted disorder that can affect a variety of areas including emotions, sleep patterns, concentration and behavior. While non-medicated treatments are often the best option initially however, medication can provide relief from certain issues and can offer parents and children new strategies to help them achieve in their daily lives. The use of medications to treat ADHD can also offer significant improvements in the ability to cope with certain depression and anxiety that is prevalent among people with autism.
Stimulant medication can be helpful in treating the "core" ADHD symptoms which interfere with academic, behavioral, and social progress. Focus and efficiency improvements in tasks can have a significant impact on writing, reading, and other academic capabilities. Medical treatments can make a significant improvement in the capacity to interact with peers and also the frequency of self-injurious behavior, tantrums, and aggression may decrease too.
Antidepressants are prescribed to children with autism to reduce their anger and improve their mood. These medicines are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and include fluoxetine. SSRIs have been shown to aid in treating anxiety, depression and other disorders for those with autism, but large clinical studies are required to confirm these effects.
Certain antipsychotic medicines like risperidone and Aripiprazole, can be used to help manage the irritability and emotional outbursts that are common in some people with autism. FDA has not approved these drugs to treat autism. However, they could be useful in improving the regulation of emotions in children and adults.
Researchers are also studying the ways that co-occurring ADHD and autism affect symptom trajectory over time. A greater understanding of these relationships may result in more effective pharmacological and psychological treatments.
It is important to understand that medications can trigger negative side effects and is recommended to use it with caution. It is also a good idea to explore alternatives before beginning treatment with medication, especially for young children. If properly titrated, these medications can improve the quality-of-life for those with ADHD and autism.
Medications for Emotions
If a child diagnosed with Autism experiences overwhelming depression or anxiety They can become so severe that they hinder with everyday functioning. In these cases doctors might prescribe medication to help manage the emotional issues.
The medicines for ADHD can be used to reduce anxiety, impulsivity, and other symptoms of autism. Most often, these medications are used in addition to other behavioral therapy. Several medications, including SSRIs can help relieve depression and anxiety in people with autism. Some people with autism can be treated with other medications, such as atypical psychiatric drugs and alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists.
Researchers are aware that autism and ADHD are often seen together despite being distinct diagnoses. It is estimated that approximately half of children diagnosed with autism exhibit ADHD symptoms, including hyperactivity and inattention. Many families are required to take medication to treat both conditions.
Adults and children suffering from ADHD and autism are usually treated by taking medication. It is not meant to cure autism, or to eradicate all associated behaviors. It can help manage certain symptoms that make it difficult for children to be successful at school and in social settings.
Research suggests that antipsychotics with atypical properties, such as risperidone, can reduce irritability and aggression in some people with autism. These medications can also help ease the psychotic symptoms that could be present in some individuals with autism, including hallucinations and illusions.
It is important to know that the majority of the medications approved by Health Canada were not studied specifically on children or young people with autism. The majority of them have followed a standard method to be put for sale, which included clinical observation of a small group of people who have positive results, publication of case studies, increased off-label use, open-label trials and finally a placebo-controlled, randomized controlled study.
Amphétamines (Adderall Dexedrine Vyvanse) and Atomoxetine Strattera are the most commonly prescribed medications for adolescents and adults who have coexisting ASD and ADHD. These are also the medications most commonly prescribed in children suffering from pure ADHD. SSRIs and benzodiazepines along with anti-seizure medication, are medications that treat anxiety. However, these medications have not been extensively tested in this particular population.