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Bulonza R, Watkins K, Parsons R, Sunderland B, Whitehouse A, Caccetta R. The use of psychotropic medications in autistic individuals (21 years and younger) in Western Australia: A preliminary investigation. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:2002-2013. [PMID: 38385262 PMCID: PMC11301957 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231226099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Prescriptions and use of medications to treat mental health conditions in young autistic populations are inconsistent worldwide. This makes it hard to compare findings from international studies to the Australian autistic population, where there are limited relevant studies. Apart from risperidone, there are no other medications specified for direct use in autistic persons. This study aims to gain initial broad understanding of the use of medications, commonly prescribed for mental health conditions, specifically by autistics under the age of 21 years. We analysed data that were previously collected as part of the Western Australian Autism Biological Registry between 2011 and 2015 which amounted to 239 surveys completed on young persons with diagnosed autism. The questionnaires included information on co-occurring conditions, current or previous use of medications and reasons for use of the medications. Only one-quarter of the participants in this study reported using at least one mental health-related medication in their lifetime. The most reported medications were stimulants, antidepressants and antiepileptics. The reasons for using medication included managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, challenging behaviours, seizures, sleep difficulties and symptoms of anxiety and depression. The number of individuals reporting medication use in this study was lower compared to other developed countries. Nevertheless, these medications should be monitored due to limited understanding of their use to manage co-occurring symptoms in young autistic persons. The findings highlight the importance of ongoing research to better understand mental health-related medications and inform best practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andrew Whitehouse
- Perth Children’s Hospital, Australia
- The University of Western Australia, Australia
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Weitzman C, Nadler C, Blum NJ, Augustyn M. Health Care for Youth With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Consensus Statement. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023063809. [PMID: 38596852 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-063809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Individuals with a neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) face significant health care barriers, disparities in health outcomes, and high rates of foregone and adverse health care experiences. The Supporting Access for Everyone (SAFE) Initiative was developed to establish principles of health care to improve equity for youth with NDDs through an evidence-informed and consensus-derived process. With the Developmental Behavioral Pediatric Research Network, the SAFE cochairs convened a consensus panel composed of diverse professionals, caregivers, and adults with NDDs who contributed their varied expertise related to SAFE care delivery. A 2-day public forum (attended by consensus panel members) was convened where professionals, community advocates, and adults with NDDs and/or caregivers of individuals with NDDs presented research, clinical strategies, and personal experiences. After this, a 2-day consensus conference was held. Using nominal group technique, the panel derived a consensus statement (CS) on SAFE care, an NDD Health Care Bill of Rights, and Transition Considerations. Ten CSs across 5 topical domains were established: (1) training, (2) communication, (3) access and planning, (4) diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and anti-ableism, and (5) policy and structural change. Relevant and representative citations were added when available to support the derived statements. The final CS was approved by all consensus panel members and the Developmental Behavioral Pediatric Research Network steering committee. At the heart of this CS is an affirmation that all people are entitled to health care that is accessible, humane, and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cy Nadler
- Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Nathan J Blum
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marilyn Augustyn
- Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Culnane E, Efron D, Williams K, Marraffa C, Antolovich G, Prakash C, Loftus H. Carer perspectives of a transition to adult care model for adolescents with an intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder with mental health comorbidities. Child Care Health Dev 2023; 49:281-291. [PMID: 35947107 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transition to adult care for adolescents with an intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder with coexisting mental health disorders, often termed 'dual disability', is complex. It requires a family-centred approach, with collaboration among health, disability and social services and early planning. AIM To describe carer perspectives of transition to adult care and the outcomes of a transition support intervention, Fearless, Tearless Transition, for adolescents with dual disabilities piloted at a tertiary children's hospital. METHODS Carers of adolescents with a dual disability were invited to complete a survey at the commencement of their participation in the Fearless, Tearless Transition model, and again at the conclusion of the project. Within this intervention, carers and adolescents were encouraged to attend dedicated transition clinics and participate in a shared care general practitioner (GP) and paediatrician process. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-one carers of adolescents with dual disabilities were included in Fearless, Tearless Transition. Of this cohort, 138 adolescents and their carers received support in a dedicated transition clinic with 99 carers completing the initial survey at the commencement of the model. Eighty-two per cent of carers reported moderate to high levels of anxiety about transitioning from paediatric to adult care with 39% feeling 'unprepared' about transition. Eighty-one per cent reported having inadequate access to respite care with 47% reporting a lack of access to services in the community and 56% expressing dissatisfaction with their GPs. One hundred and two families participated in the shared care process with 80 GPs and 33 paediatricians. Twenty-two carers completed the second survey reporting a modest but significant improvement in preparedness for transition to adult care. CONCLUSION This study highlights the potential to improve transition outcomes for adolescents with dual disabilities and their carers through early, centralized transition planning, consistent methods of assessing adolescent and carer needs and shared care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Culnane
- Transition Support Service, Department of Adolescent Medicine, The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daryl Efron
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of General Medicine, The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Community Child Health, The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catherine Marraffa
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurodevelopment and Disability, The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Giuliana Antolovich
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurodevelopment and Disability, The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chidambaram Prakash
- Department of Mental Health, The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hayley Loftus
- Transition Support Service, Department of Adolescent Medicine, The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Mellahn OJ, Knott R, Tiego J, Kallady K, Williams K, Bellgrove MA, Johnson BP. Understanding the Diversity of Pharmacotherapeutic Management of ADHD With Co-occurring Autism: An Australian Cross-Sectional Survey. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:914668. [PMID: 35832595 PMCID: PMC9271966 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.914668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental diagnoses, such as autism spectrum disorder (autism), which can make clinical decision making around symptom management challenging for clinicians. There is a paucity of research examining pharmacotherapeutic management of children who have ADHD with co-occurring diagnoses. We aimed to report on the co-occurring diagnoses and symptom profile of children, and report on medication use, stratified by ADHD, autism and ADHD + autism diagnoses. METHODS AND MATERIALS Caregivers of 505 children (2-18 years) with ADHD (n = 239), autism (n = 117), and co-occurring ADHD + autism (n = 149) completed a questionnaire on current medication use and clinical rating scales about their child's symptoms, as part of a broader project investigating diagnosis and management of symptoms in children with ADHD or autism. RESULTS The parents of the ADHD group reported a higher proportion of their children had learning disorders (17.15%) and speech and language disorders (4.60%) compared to the parents of the autism and ADHD + autism groups. Parents of the ADHD + autism group reported higher proportions of intellectual disability (5.37%), oppositional defiant disorder (20.13%), anxiety (38.93%), depression (6.71%) and genetic conditions (3.36%) in their children, in comparison to the parents of the ADHD and autism groups. Children with ADHD were reported to be taking a higher proportion of psychotropic medication (90%), followed by ADHD + autism (86%) and autism (39%). The parents of children with ADHD + autism reported a higher proportion of non-stimulant ADHD medication (25.5%), antipsychotic (18.79%), antidepressant (22.15%) and melatonin (31.54%) use by their children, compared to the parents of the ADHD and autism groups. CONCLUSIONS A similar proportion of children with ADHD + autism and ADHD were reported to be taking medication. However, the types of medication taken were different, as expected with reported co-occurring diagnoses. The complexity of symptoms and diagnoses in ADHD + autism warrants targeted research to optimize management and therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J Mellahn
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rachael Knott
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeggan Tiego
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kathryn Kallady
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, Paediatrics Education & Research, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Developmental Paediatrics, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark A Bellgrove
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Beth P Johnson
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Robert J, Duff E. The role of the NP in primary care of adults with autism spectrum disorder. Nurse Pract 2021; 46:44-48. [PMID: 34554964 PMCID: PMC8489832 DOI: 10.1097/01.npr.0000769744.15933.0f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Adults with autism spectrum disorder have poorer physical and psychological health outcomes compared with individuals who are neurotypical and benefit from exceptional primary care. NPs are uniquely positioned to reform primary care and eliminate inequities, and can help influence practice standards and optimize care for these patients through education, advocacy, and health promotion.
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Shawahna R, Jaber M, Yahya N, Jawadeh F, Rawajbeh S. Are medical students in Palestine adequately trained to care for individuals with autism spectrum disorders? A multicenter cross-sectional study of their familiarity, knowledge, confidence, and willingness to learn. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:424. [PMID: 34376162 PMCID: PMC8356397 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02865-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical students are the future workforce of physicians in primary, secondary, tertiary, and highly specialized care centers. The present study was undertaken to assess familiarity, knowledge, confidence, of medical students with regard to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). METHODS This multicenter study was conducted in a cross-sectional design among medical students in the 3 main universities in Palestine. In addition to the sociodemographic and academic details, the questionnaire measured familiarity (8-items), knowledge (12-items), confidence and willingness to learn (5-items) with regard to ASDs. RESULTS The questionnaire was completed by309 medical students (response rate = 77.3 %). The median familiarity, knowledge, and confidence scores were 50 % (42.5 %, 57.5 %), 50 % (41.7 %, 66.7 %), and 60.0 % (54.0 %, 68.0 %), respectively. There was a positive moderate correlation between familiarity and knowledge scores (Spearman's rho = 0.29, p-value < 0.001) and familiarity and confidence scores (Spearman's rho = 0.34, p-value < 0.001). Medical students who have received a course on autism were 3.08-fold (95 % C.I. of 1.78-5.31) more likely to score ≥ 50 % on the familiarity items compared to those who did not receive a course. The medical students who were in their clinical academic stage, who received a course on ASDs, and those who interacted with individuals with ASDs were 2.36-fold (95 % C.I. of 1.34-4.18), 2.66-fold (95 % C.I. of 1.52-4.65), and 2.59-fold (95 % C.I. of 1.44-4.63) more likely to score ≥ 50 % on the knowledge items. Medical students who reported high satisfaction with their social life were 2.84-fold (95 % C.I. of 1.15-7.00) more likely to score ≥ 50 % on the confidence items. CONCLUSIONS The present study identified considerable awareness and knowledge gaps among medical students with regard to ASDs. Medical students in this study reported low confidence in their ability to provide healthcare services to individuals with ASDs. Appropriately designed educational interventions might improve familiarity, knowledge, and confidence of medical students. More studies are still needed to investigate if such interventions can improve healthcare services for individuals with ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, New Campus, Building: 19, Office: 1340, Nablus, Palestine.
- An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Mohammad Jaber
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
- An-Najah National University Hospital, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Nourhan Yahya
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Firdaous Jawadeh
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Shahd Rawajbeh
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Hwang YI, Foley KR, Trollor JN. Aging Well on the Autism Spectrum: An Examination of the Dominant Model of Successful Aging. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:2326-2335. [PMID: 29721743 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3596-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
There is a gap in our knowledge of aging with autism. The present study examined the applicability of the popular gerontology concept of "aging well" to autistic adults. Using survey data, a model of "aging well" was operationalised and applied to 92 autistic adults and 60 controls. A very small proportion (3.3%) of autistic adults were found to be aging well. Significantly less autistic adults were "maintaining physical and cognitive functioning" and "actively engaging with life" in comparison to controls. Whilst important differences in health and functioning status were found, the current dominant model of "aging well" is limited for examining autistic individuals. Suggested adjustments include development of a broader, more flexible and strengths -based model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye In Hwang
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry, UNSW, 30 Botany Street Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia. .,Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Long Pocket, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Kitty-Rose Foley
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry, UNSW, 30 Botany Street Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Long Pocket, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Julian N Trollor
- Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry, UNSW, 30 Botany Street Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Long Pocket, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Jack RH, Joseph RM, Coupland C, Butler D, Hollis C, Morriss R, Knaggs RD, Cipriani A, Cortese S, Hippisley-Cox J. Secondary care specialist visits made by children and young people prescribed antidepressants in primary care: a descriptive study using the QResearch database. BMC Med 2020; 18:93. [PMID: 32349753 PMCID: PMC7191694 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01560-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antidepressants may be used to manage a number of conditions in children and young people including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. UK guidelines for the treatment of depression in children and young people recommend that antidepressants should only be initiated following assessment and diagnosis by a child and adolescent psychiatrist. The aim of this study was to summarise visits to mental health specialists and indications recorded around the time of antidepressant initiation in children and young people in UK primary care. METHODS The study used linked English primary care electronic health records and Hospital Episode Statistics secondary care data. The study included 5-17-year-olds first prescribed antidepressants between January 2006 and December 2017. Records of visits to paediatric or psychiatric specialists and potential indications (from a pre-specified list) were extracted. Events were counted if recorded less than 12 months before or 6 months after the first antidepressant prescription. Results were stratified by first antidepressant type (all, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic and related antidepressants) and by age group (5-11 years, 12-17 years). RESULTS In total, 33,031 5-17-year-olds were included. Of these, 12,149 (37%) had a record of visiting a paediatrician or a psychiatric specialist in the specified time window. The majority of recorded visits (7154, 22%) were to paediatricians. Of those prescribed SSRIs, 5463/22,130 (25%) had a record of visiting a child and adolescent psychiatrist. Overall, 17,972 (54%) patients had a record of at least one of the pre-specified indications. Depression was the most frequently recorded indication (12,501, 38%), followed by anxiety (4155, 13%). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest many children and young people are being prescribed antidepressants without the recommended involvement of a relevant specialist. These findings may justify both greater training for GPs in child and adolescent mental health and greater access to specialist care and non-pharmacological treatments. Further research is needed to explore factors that influence how and why GPs prescribe antidepressants to children and young people and the real-world practice barriers to adherence to clinical guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth H Jack
- Division of Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Rebecca M Joseph
- Division of Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Carol Coupland
- Division of Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Debbie Butler
- National Institute of Health Research MindTech MedTech Co-operative, The Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Chris Hollis
- National Institute of Health Research MindTech MedTech Co-operative, The Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- National Institute of Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Richard Morriss
- National Institute of Health Research MindTech MedTech Co-operative, The Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- National Institute of Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Andrea Cipriani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Center for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julia Hippisley-Cox
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Cvejic RC, Arnold SRC, Foley KR, Trollor JN. Neuropsychiatric profile and psychotropic medication use in adults with autism spectrum disorder: results from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Adults with Autism. BJPsych Open 2018; 4:461-466. [PMID: 30450225 PMCID: PMC6235990 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2018.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are a highly medicated group. Few studies have examined the neuropsychiatric profile and patterns of psychotropic medication use among adults with ASD. AIMS To describe and compare the neuropsychiatric profile and psychotropic medication use in a cohort of adults with ASD and non-autistic controls. METHOD Baseline data from a survey-based, longitudinal study of adults with ASD in Australia. Participants were 188 adults with ASD and 115 controls aged 25-80 years. RESULTS ASD was associated with increased odds of psychotropic medication use even when controlling for the presence of any neurological or psychiatric disorder. There were no corresponding indications for 14.4% of psychotropic medications prescribed to adults with ASD. CONCLUSIONS This study found substantial psychotropic prescribing for adults with ASD. Patterns of psychotropic medication use may reflect prescribing for behavioural indications despite limited evidence to support this practice. DECLARATION OF INTEREST None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael C Cvejic
- Lecturer, Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney, Australia
| | - Samuel R C Arnold
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney and Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
| | - Kitty-Rose Foley
- Lecturer, Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney and School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Australia
| | - Julian N Trollor
- Chair, Intellectual Disability Mental Health and Head of Department, Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney and Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Australia
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