Why We Enjoy Medication For Autism And ADHD (And You Should Also!)
Medication For Autism and ADHD
Many people with autism also have ADHD and medication for ADHD can be helpful in reducing overlapping autism symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some medications can cause adverse effects.
Research is needed to better know how co-occurring symptom trajectories affect the outcomes of treatment. Stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) generally treat ADHD and may also help with autism-related symptoms that overlap, as do some anticonvulsant medicines.
Inattention-related Medications
Autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are disorders that can coexist. It is estimated that between 30 and 50% of those diagnosed with autism exhibit an elevated level of ADHD symptoms. This co-occurrence has both clinical and epidemiological significance as effective treatment of core symptoms of both disorders enhances adaptability and prevents negative coping behaviors [1 2].
The symptoms of ADHD include impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. The medication used in the treatment of ADHD typically reduce these symptoms and may help improve social, academic and behavioral outcomes for people with coexisting autism and ADHD.
In one longitudinal study of cohorts, researchers discovered that the percentage of individuals prescribed psychotropic drugs was similar for those with and without co-existing autism. adhd medication uk of medication and frequency of prescriptions differed between the two groups. The most frequently prescribed medication was stimulant, followed by atomoxetine and SSRIs. In a subgroup analysis those with ADHD-Combined and with autism were more likely to receive ADHD medication, whereas children with ADHD-Inattentive had a lower chance to receive treatment than those with autism alone.
The effects of stimulants are increased levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters in your brain that are linked to motivation, reward and decision-making. Several studies have shown that stimulant medications are effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms in children with autism and coexisting ADHD However, some suffer from side effects like stomach issues headaches, insomnia, and a decrease in appetite.
Nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine also seem to reduce ADHD symptoms in those with autism and ADHD. Indirect, low-quality evidence suggests the atypical antipsychotics like aripiprazole and risperidone can reduce irritability among children with ASD. However, further research is needed to determine whether this is due a reduction in ADHD symptoms or a change in 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 determine the critical periods where intervention may be most effective. A better understanding of co-occurring symptom patterns and their interactions with time will aid in identifying optimal treatment interventions to mitigate the negative effects of ADHD symptoms on ASD fundamental functions.
Treatments 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. A number of clinical trials indicate that stimulant drugs (methylphenidate and atomoxetine) enhance the core ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents with ASD.
The same drugs have been shown to boost social skills among people with autism. However, these drugs are not without risk and should be administered under the supervision of a physician who is well-versed in the advantages and risks of each medication. In addition, individuals with autism may react differently to each medication and many medications can be harmful in certain circumstances.
A large-scale study on the population found that two-thirds of children ages 6 to 11 and three quarters of teenagers ages 12 to 17 with co-occurring ADHD and autism were taking some kind of psychotropic medication. This was similar to rates of psychiatric drugs used by children and youths with ADHD by themselves. Comorbid diagnoses of intellectual disability, schizophrenia, OCD, and substance abuse disorders were more frequent among individuals 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. The reasons for this are not clear, but it could be due to higher discontinuation rates for those suffering from ASD due to adverse reactions such as irritability or difficulties with tolerating doses of methylphenidate.
Because the comorbidity of ADHD and autism are often associated with more severe impairments than each condition alone, optimizing treatment of both disorders is critical. Research should focus on identifying psychosocial treatments that are most effective in treating coexisting ADHD and autism. These include behavior therapies such as parent education, social skills training. These are known to reduce ADHD and autism-related disruptions. Future research should also look at developmental trajectories of the coexisting disorders to determine when symptoms change throughout the course of development and how this affects treatment. The information gained from this research will enable more specific treatments that are adapted to the specific needs of individuals who suffer from co-occurring ADHD and ASD.
Medications for Anxiety
Autism is a multifaceted disorder that can affect many areas including emotions, sleep patterns, concentration and behavior. While non-medical treatment is usually the first choice but medication can offer relief and give parents and children the tools to ensure their success. Treatments for ADHD can also provide significant improvements in the ability to manage some of the 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, social and behavioral development. For example, improving the ability to concentrate and complete tasks can make a significant improvements in writing, reading, and other academic skills. Medications can bring noticeable improvement in the ability to interact with others and also reduce the frequency of self-injurious behavior and tantrums and aggressiveness may decrease as well.
Antidepressants may be prescribed to children with autism to reduce their anxiety and improve their mood. These drugs are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and include fluoxetine. SSRIs are proven to be effective in treating depression, anxiety and other disorders among people with autism. However, large clinical trials are needed to prove their effectiveness.
Certain antipsychotics like Risperidone and Aripiprazole are used to control the anger and emotional outbursts that are common to some people with autism. FDA has not yet approved the use of these drugs to treat autism. However, they can be useful in improving the regulation of emotions in both adults and children.
Researchers are also working to explore how co-occurring autism and ADHD affect the trajectory of symptoms over time. An enhanced understanding of these relationships could lead to more targeted psychosocial and pharmacological treatments.
It is crucial to be aware that medications can have adverse effects and should be taken with caution. It is also a good idea to explore other options prior to starting treatment with medication, particularly for children in the early years of. If properly adjusted, however, these medications can improve the quality-of-life for those with ADHD and autism.
Medicines for Emotions
When a child with Autism experiences overwhelming depression or anxiety symptoms, they can get so severe that they cause problems with everyday functioning. In these instances doctors may prescribe medication to help manage emotions.
Medications for ADHD can also be used to reduce anxiety and the tendency to be impulsive, both of which are typical in autism. In most cases, these drugs are used in addition to other therapies for behavioral disorders. SSRIs and other medications can help reduce anxiety and depression in those with autism. Other medications, such as antipsychotics that are atypical and alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists, can help reduce irritability in some people with autism.
Researchers have recognized that autism and ADHD are often associated even though they are distinct diagnoses. About half of children with autism show ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity and inattention. Many families are required to take medications to treat both disorders.
Adults and children suffering from ADHD and autism are typically treated by medication. However, it's not meant to treat autism or eliminate all of the related behaviors. It can manage specific symptoms which make it difficult for children to perform at school or in social situations.
Atypical antipsychotics, such as risperidone, can reduce irritability among people with autism. These medications can also alleviate the psychotic symptoms that may be present in some individuals with autism, such as hallucinations and delusions.
It is important to note that the majority of drugs approved by Health Canada were not studied specifically on children or young people with autism. Rather, most have been through the same process to being available for sale which includes clinical observation in a small percentage of individuals with positive outcomes, publication of cases, increased off-label use, open-label trials and then placebo-controlled randomized controlled studies.
The most commonly prescribed medications for adults and adolescents with coexisting ASD and ADHD are methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate) amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse), and Atomoxetine (Strattera). These medications are also frequently prescribed for children suffering from pure ADHD. Medications to treat anxiety, including SSRIs, benzodiazepines and other anti-seizure medications, have not been extensively studied in this particular population, therefore the evidence for their effectiveness isn't as strong.