Patterns in Medication Use for Treatment of Depression in Autistic Spectrum Disorder
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| Title: | Patterns in Medication Use for Treatment of Depression in Autistic Spectrum Disorder |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Riley A. Argonis, Ernest V. Pedapati, Kelli C. Dominick, Katherine Harris, Martine Lamy, Cara Fosdick, Lauren Schmitt, Rebecca C. Shaffer, Elizabeth Smith, Meredith Will, Christopher J. McDougle, Craig A. Erickson (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2025 55(6):1969-1975. |
| Availability: | Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 7 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Drug Therapy, Depression (Psychology), Autism Spectrum Disorders, Patients, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Comorbidity, Program Termination, Program Effectiveness, Intervention |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-023-06126-z |
| ISSN: | 0162-3257 1573-3432 |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Depression impacts many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), carrying increased risk of functional impairment, hospitalization, and suicide. Prescribing medication to target depression in patients with ASD occurs despite limited available systematic data describing medication management of depression in this population. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to discover prescribing patterns for individuals with MDD and ASD during this time period (2004-2012) to inform current and future prescribing practices with historical data. Methods: Drawing from a large clinical database describing the prescribing practices in patients with ASD, we identified 166 individuals with ASD (mean age 14.5 ± 8.3 years old) who received medication targeting symptoms of depression. We report prescribing rates for specific drugs, drug treatment duration, and reasons for drug discontinuation when applicable. Results: Sertraline, mirtazapine, and fluoxetine were the three most commonly prescribed medications to treat comorbid depression for this patient population. Among 241 drug starts, 123 (49%) drug treatments were continued at the final reviewed follow-up visit (average treatment duration of ± 0.72 years). The most common reason for discontinuation across all medications prescribed was loss of or lack of effectiveness. Conclusion: This study raises concern that standard of care pharmacological treatments for depression in individuals with ASD may be less effective than in neurotypical populations. There remains a need to develop effective interventions for depression specifically tailored to the needs of individuals with ASD. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1470844 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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