Abstract
Objective:
The purpose of this paper was to investigate the literature about the probable neurochemical systems in the etiology of PDD and associated symptoms, and the effects of pharmacological agents on these systems.
Method:
The entire PubMed database was searched for English language and 49 papers about the results of PDD pharmacotherapy in the past ten years were found.
Results:
Atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants, psychostimulants and atomoxetine, antiepileptics, NMDA and alpha-adrenergic agonists were the agents which had been evaluated for their effects and tolerability.
Discussion:
It is accepted that there was no drug that is effective for resolving the core symptoms of autism. The whole treatments aimed relieving the target symptoms of PDD with minimal side effects. It should be kept in mind that treatment efficacy was less and more side effects were seen in children with PDD compared to children without PDD. Placebo controlled, long-term follow up studies which use standardized assessment methods involving all PDD subgroups with large patient populations are needed.
Keywords: Autism, pervasive developmental disorder, pharmachotherapy.
