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Aripiprazole in autism spectrum disorder: current evidence for use
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 April 2023
Summary
This month's Cochrane Corner meta-analysis evaluates the evidence for the use of aripiprazole in ‘autism spectrum disorders’ – although in fact, outcome measures mainly included subtypes of challenging behaviour and side-effects. Aripiprazole was found to be effective in reducing irritability and hyperactivity, while causing extrapyramidal side-effects and weight gain. Only three trials were included in the review, with two small trials eventually included in the meta-analysis. All trials were conducted in under-18s in the USA, with no requirement for a trial of behavioural management before psychotropic medication, and excluding under-18s with important comorbidities such as medicated attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. All three studies were sponsored and funded by the manufacturer of aripiprazole. Further, a discontinuation trial showed no evidence of sustained benefit beyond 16 weeks of treatment.
Keywords
- Type
- Round the corner
- Information
- Copyright
- Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
Footnotes
Commentary on… Aripiprazole for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) (Cochrane Corner). See this issue at https://doi.org/10.1192/bja.2023.15.
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