[Autism. Pharmacological treatment].

This review looks at medications for autism. No drugs can treat the main symptoms of autism, but different medicines can help with related problems. Some medications help with hyperactivity, aggression, anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and attention difficulties. New treatments are being researched, including some designed for specific genetic conditions related to autism. As scientists learn more about different types of autism, treatments may become more personalized.

This review examines pharmacological treatments for autism spectrum disorder, emphasizing that while no medications directly treat core autism symptoms, various drugs effectively manage associated conditions. Atypical antipsychotics address hyperactivity, impulsivity, and aggression. SSRIs help with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and irritability. Stimulants and atomoxetine target ADHD-like symptoms, while clonidine and guanfacine show efficacy for hyperactivity and stereotyped behaviors.

Buspirone addresses restrictive behaviors and anxiety. Emerging treatments include oxytocin and vasopressin under investigation, with condition-specific medications like arbaclofen for Fragile X syndrome and recently approved Trofinetide for Rett syndrome. The review suggests future treatments may become more targeted as specific autism-related entities and their underlying mechanisms are better understood.

Clinicians should adopt symptom-targeted pharmacological approaches rather than expecting core autism symptom modification. Multiple medication classes may be needed for comprehensive management. Emerging targeted therapies suggest future treatment paradigms may shift toward personalized medicine based on specific autism subtypes and underlying pathophysiology.

This is a narrative review without systematic methodology. No sample size, specific studies, or quality assessment reported. Evidence grading and effect sizes not provided. Limited detail on dosing, side effects, or long-term outcomes.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social cognition and communication, restricted interests, and stereotyped behaviors. Frequently associated with sensory dysfunction, other neurodevelopmental disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, epilepsy and/or sleep disorders. This condition will accompany people throughout their lives, which will generate various support and treatment needs. Although there are no drugs that modify the core symptoms of autism, various drugs have shown their usefulness in associated conditions.

Atypical antipsychotics for hyperactivity, impulsivity, agitation, auto or heteroaggression crises. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors, to decrease anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and irritability/agitation. Stimulants and atomoxetine used for hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Clonidine and guanfacine show some efficacy on hyperactivity and stereotyped behaviors.

Buspirone has been used for restrictive behaviors and anxiety. There are drugs in the research phase such as oxytocin, vasopressin and even some developed for specific entities related to autism such as arbaclofen in Fragile X and Trofinetide that has just been approved for use in Rett syndrome. As specific entities and their pathophysiology are identified, it is likely that tailored treatments will be developed for each entity associated with autism..