Medication For Autism and ADHD
Treatments for ADHD can help with symptoms of autism that overlap, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. The medication can cause side effects.
Research is needed to better know the effects of co-occurring symptoms on treatment outcomes. Drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin) generally treat ADHD and may also help with overlapping autism symptoms, as do some anticonvulsant drugs.
Treatments for Inattention
Autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are disorders that coexist. It is estimated that between 30 and 50 percent of individuals diagnosed with autism have an elevated level of ADHD symptoms. This is relevant clinically and epidemiologically, because effective treatment of the primary symptoms of both disorders improves adaptive functioning and helps prevent negative behavior patterns of coping [1 2, 3].
Inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity are all signs of ADHD. The medications used to treat ADHD can reduce the symptoms and can improve academic, social and behavioral outcomes for people with co-occurring ADHD and autism.
In one longitudinal cohort study, researchers found that the proportion of individuals who were prescribed psychotropic medications was similar for those with and without co-existing autism. The medication class and frequency of prescriptions differed between the two groups. The most frequently used medication was stimulant, which was followed by atomoxetine and SSRIs. In a subgroup analysis individuals with ADHD-Combined and those with autism were more likely to receive ADHD medication, whereas children with ADHD-Inattentive were less likely to be medicated than those with autism in isolation.
Stimulants increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain which are neurotransmitters that are associated with motivation and reward, decision-making and emotional. The use of stimulants has been proven to be effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms in children suffering from autism and ADHD. However there are some who may experience adverse reactions such as stomach problems, headaches and insomnia.
Nonstimulant drugs, such as Guanfacine and atomoxetine, also are shown to reduce ADHD symptoms in children who suffer from autism and ADHD. A small amount of evidence suggests that antipsychotics that are atypical, namely risperidone or could reduce irritability among children with ASD however further research is required to determine if this is due to decreasing ADHD symptoms or a result of these medications on the core ASD behavior.
A better understanding of co-occurring symptom trajectories can help clinicians to optimize the duration and timing of pharmacological versus psychosocial treatment for each disorder, and also to identify critical periods when intervention may be more effective. In addition, improved knowledge of how co-occurring symptom development and interact over time could aid in the identification of the most effective treatment strategies that reduce the adverse effects of ADHD symptoms on the core ASD functions.
Hyperactivity Meds
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. Numerous clinical studies have shown that stimulant medication (methylphenidate and atomoxetine) improve the core ADHD symptoms in adolescents and children with ASD.
These same medications have also been shown to be effective in enhancing social skills of people with autism. However, these drugs are not without risk and should only be used under the care of a physician who is familiar with the benefits and risks of each medication. In addition, individual people with autism tend to react differently to each medication, and certain medications may be harmful in certain circumstances.
A large population-based survey found that two thirds (63 percent) of children aged 6-11 and 35% of adolescents aged 12-17 years old with ADHD and autism co-occurring were taking psychotropic medication. This was similar to rates of psychiatric medications utilized by adolescents and children with ADHD alone. The diagnosis of comorbid schizophrenia, intellectual disability, OCD, and substance abuse disorders were more prevalent in people with ADHD and ASD than 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. The reasons for this aren't clear, but could be due to the higher rate of discontinuation for those suffering from ASD due to symptoms like irritability, or difficulties with tolerating the dosages of methylphenidate.
Comorbid ADHD and Autism are correlated with more severe impairments than each condition alone. Therefore, it is important to improve the treatment of both disorders. Research should be focused on finding the most effective psychosocial treatment for coexisting ADHD and autism. These include behavior therapies, parent education, and social skills training. These therapies are proven to decrease disruptive behavior that are associated with ADHD and autism. Future research should also investigate the development trajectories of co-existing disorders to understand how symptoms change throughout the development process and how this affects treatment. The knowledge gained from this research will allow for more specific treatments that are adapted to the particular needs of people with coexisting ADHD and ASD.
Anxiety Medications
Autism is a multifaceted disorder that can affect many areas like sleep patterns, concentration, and behavior. While non-medical treatments are usually the most effective first option, medications can often provide relief from these issues and can offer parents and children with new strategies to help them achieve in their daily lives. The use of medications to treat ADHD can also provide a significant boost in the ability to deal with some of the anxiety and depression that is so common in people with autism.
Stimulant medication can be beneficial for the "core" ADHD symptoms that affect social and behavioral progress. For instance, enhancing the ability to concentrate and complete tasks can make a huge difference in writing, reading and other academic capabilities. Medications can bring noticeable improvements in the ability to communicate with your peers and also the frequency of self-injurious behavior, tantrums and aggression may decrease as well.
Antidepressants can be prescribed to reduce irritability in children with autism, and also to improve their mood. These medicines are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and include fluoxetine. SSRIs have been shown to reduce depression, anxiety and other disorders for those with autism, but large clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.
Certain antipsychotics, like Aripiprazole and Risperidone, are used to treat irritability, and emotional outbursts, that are common among people with autism. FDA has not yet approved the use of these drugs to treat autism. However, they could be an effective tool for improving the control of emotions in children and adults.
Researchers are also exploring the ways in which co-occurring ADHD and autism impact symptom trajectory over time. An enhanced understanding of these connections will hopefully lead to more targeted psychosocial and pharmacological treatments.
It is vital to understand that medications can cause adverse effects and should be used with caution. It is also a good idea to try other options before starting treatment with medications, especially in young children. If properly adjusted, however, these medications can improve the quality of life of those suffering from ADHD and autism.
Medications for Emotions
If a child diagnosed with autism is suffering from extreme depression or anxiety, the symptoms may become so severe they interfere with their daily functioning. In these instances doctors may prescribe medication to help manage emotions.
how does medication for adhd work of medications for ADHD can also be used to lessen anxiety and impulsivity, which are common in autism. These medications are usually used in conjunction with other behavioral therapies. SSRIs and other medications can help reduce anxiety and depression in those with autism. Autism sufferers can be treated with other medications such as atypical psychiatric medications and alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists.
While autism and ADHD are two distinct diagnoses, researchers recognize that the two disorders often occur in tandem. About half of children with autism show ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and inattention. Many families are required to take medication to treat both conditions.
Adults and children suffering from ADHD and autism are treated most commonly by medication. However, it isn't meant to cure autism or stop all the associated behaviors. It can manage specific signs that make it difficult for a child to perform at school or in social situations.
Atypical antipsychotics, such as risperidone, can reduce irritability in some people with Autism. These medications can also alleviate the psychotic symptoms that may be present in some individuals with autism, such as hallucinations and illusions.
It is important to remember that most of the medications approved by Health Canada have not been specifically tested in children or youth with autism. Rather, most have been through the same process to being made available for sale which includes clinical observation in a small percentage of people with positive outcomes, publication of case reports, a rise in off-label use, open-label drug trials, and finally placebo-controlled randomized controlled studies.
The most commonly prescribed medications for adults and adolescents who have coexisting ASD and ADHD are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate), amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse) and atomoxetine (Strattera). These drugs are also prescribed for children suffering from pure ADHD. The medications used to treat anxiety, including SSRIs, benzodiazepines and anti-seizure medication, haven't been extensively studied in this particular population, therefore the evidence for their effectiveness is less compelling.