Medications: AD/HD & ASD

“Clearer practice parameters for ADHD have likely contributed to more consistency in treatment, whereas treatment for ASD reflects a trial and error approach based on associated symptom patterns. Additional studies examining the treatment of core and associated ASD symptoms are needed to guide pharmacologic treatment of these youths. Interventions targeting African American youths with ASD and the physicians who serve them are also warranted” (p. 571).

Frazier, T.W., Shattuck, P.T., Narendorf, S.C., Cooper, B.P., Wagner, M., and Spitznagel, F.L. (December, 2011). Prevalence and correlates of psychotropic medication use in adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder with and without caregiver-reported attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 21(6), 571-579.

How Stimulants Work

• “Our results suggest that enhancing dopamine D4 transmission in the basal ganglia and the thalamus is likely part of the mechanism of the therapeutic effects of psychostimulants on ADHD.” (Quoting David Erlig, M.D., Ph.D., SUNY)

• Erlij believes the therapeutic action of psychostimulants in ADHD occurs because the condition is caused by abnormalities of dopamine signaling in the brain. That is, when an individual has ADHD, the dopamine D4 receptor gene is abnormal.

Nauert, R. (February 8, 2012). Rat Study Suggests How Stimulants Reduce ADHD Symptoms. PsychCentral: http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/02/08/rat-study-suggests-how-stimulants-may-reduce-adhd-symptoms/34602.html .