Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many people with autism also have ADHD and medications for ADHD can help with similar autism symptoms such as hyperactivity and an impulsive nature. The medication can cause side effects.
Research is needed to be conducted to better know 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 well as some anticonvulsant medicines.
Inattention Medicines
Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are disorders that can coexist. It is estimated that between 30 and 50 percent of those diagnosed with autism exhibit elevated levels of ADHD symptoms. This co-occurrence is of both clinical and epidemiological significance as effective treatment of core symptomatology of both disorders improves the ability to adapt and reduces negative coping behaviors [1 2, 3].
The symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The drugs used to treat ADHD help to reduce these symptoms and can improve social, academic and behavioral outcomes for individuals who have co-occurring ADHD and autism.
In a longitudinal study of cohorts, researchers found the same percentage of individuals prescribed psychotropic drugs whether they had autism or not. However, the type of medication and frequency of prescriptions varied between the two groups. The most frequently prescribed medication was stimulant, which was followed by atomoxetine and then antipsychotics and SSRIs. In a subgroup study, individuals with ADHD-Combined and those with autism were more likely to receive ADHD medication, whereas children with ADHD-Inattentive were less likely to receive medication than those with autism alone.
Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in your brain which are associated with motivation, reward, and decision-making. Numerous studies have proven that stimulant medications work in reducing ADHD symptoms in children suffering from autism and ADHD, though some suffer from side effects like stomach issues headaches, insomnia and loss of appetite.
Nonstimulant drugs, such as Guanfacine or atomoxetine, also appear to reduce ADHD symptoms in people suffering from autism and ADHD. A few studies suggest that the atypical antipsychotics like risperidone or aripiprazole may reduce irritability among children with ASD. However, more research is required to determine whether this is due to a reduction in ADHD symptoms or a change in the core ASD behaviors.
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 moments when treatment may be most efficient. Improved knowledge of the co-occurring symptom patterns and their interactions with time will aid in identifying the most effective treatment options to counteract the negative effects of ADHD symptoms on ASD core functions.
Hyperactivity Medicines
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 medications (methylphenidate or atomoxetine) that help enhance core ADHD symptoms in adolescents and children with ASD were found to be efficient.
These same drugs have also been proven to be effective in improving social skills for people with autism. These drugs are not without risk and should only be administered by a physician familiar with the risks and benefits of each drug. Furthermore, people with autism can react differently to different medications, and many medications are dangerous in certain circumstances.
A large survey of the population found that two thirds (63 percent) of children aged 6-11 and 35% of youth aged 12-17 with ADHD and autism co-occurring were taking psychotropic drugs. This was comparable to the rates of psychiatric medication used by children and youths with ADHD by themselves. Comorbid diagnoses such as schizophrenia, intellectual disability, and OCD were more prevalent in people who suffer from ADHD and ASD in comparison to those who have ADHD on their own.
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 like irritability and difficulties in absorbing doses of methylphenidate.
Because comorbid ADHD and autism are often associated with more severe impairments than each condition on its own, optimizing treatment for both disorders is critical. Research should focus on identifying psychosocial therapies that work best for co-existing ADHD and autism. These include behavioral therapies, parent training as well as social skills therapy. They are known to reduce ADHD and autism-related disruptive behaviors. Future research should also look at the developmental trajectories for the coexisting disorders to determine if symptoms are changing during the development of the course and how it impacts the treatment. The knowledge gained from this research will allow for more specific treatments that are adapted to the needs of those who suffer from co-occurring ADHD and ASD.
Anxiety Medications
Autism is a complicated and difficult disorder that can create difficulties in a variety of areas, including emotions concentration, sleep, and behaviors. While non-medical treatment is usually the first choice however, medication can provide relief and provide parents and children the tools to ensure their success. Medications that address ADHD can also offer an important boost to the ability to cope with certain anxiety and depression that is very common among those with autism.
The use of stimulant medications can be beneficial in treating the "core" ADHD symptoms which affect academic, behavioral, and social development. Focus and efficiency improvements in tasks can have a significant impact on reading, writing and other academic skills. Info to interact with others may be improved by medication. Additionally the frequency of tantrums, aggressive behavior and self-injurious behavior could decrease.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to decrease irritability in children with autism and improve their mood. These medications include fluoxetine and are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are believed to be effective in treating depression, anxiety and other ailments among those with autism. However, large clinical trials will be required to verify their effects.
Certain antipsychotics, like Aripiprazole and Risperidone, are used to control the anger and emotional outbursts, that are common among people with autism. FDA has not approved these medications to treat autism. However, they could be an effective tool for improving the regulation of emotions for both adults and children.
Researchers are also working to study how co-occurring disorders like autism and ADHD influence the trajectories of symptom progression over time. A better understanding of these connections will hopefully enable more targeted psychosocial and pharmacological treatments.
It is important to understand that medications 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, these medications can be an effective tool to improve the quality of life of those with autism and ADHD.
Treatments for Emotions
When a child with Autism suffers from overwhelming anxiety or depressive symptoms they may get so severe that they hinder with daily functioning. In these instances doctors may prescribe medication to help manage emotions.
Medications for ADHD can also be used to decrease anxiety and the tendency to be impulsive, both of which are typical in autism. Most often, these medications are utilized in conjunction with other therapies for behavioral disorders. SSRIs and other medications may reduce depression and anxiety among people with autism. Some people with autism can be treated with other medications such as atypical psychiatric medicines and alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists.
Researchers have recognized that autism and ADHD are often associated even though they are separate diagnoses. It is estimated that approximately half of children diagnosed with autism show ADHD symptoms, including inattention and hyperactivity. Many families are required to take medication to treat both conditions.
Adults and children suffering from ADHD and autism are typically treated with medication. It's not designed to cure autism, or to eradicate all associated behaviors. Instead, it is a way to assist in the management of specific symptoms that make it difficult for people with autism to function in school and socially.
Atypical antipsychotics such as risperidone can reduce irritability in some people with Autism. These medications also help to ease the psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations or delusions, that may be present in those with autism.
It is important to note that most of the medications approved by Health Canada have not been specifically tested in children or youth with autism. Rather, most have followed a standard path to becoming available on the market: clinical observation in a small number of individuals with positive outcomes publishing case reports, increased off-label use, open-label trials, and finally placebo-controlled randomized controlled studies.
Amphétamines (Adderall Dexedrine Vyvanse) and Atomoxetine Strattera are the most frequently prescribed medications for adults and adolescents who have coexisting ASD and ADHD. These are also the medications most commonly prescribed medications for children with pure forms of ADHD. Medications to treat anxiety, including SSRIs, benzodiazepines and other anti-seizure medications, haven't been thoroughly studied in this population, so the evidence of their effectiveness isn't as strong.