Generally, the results of studies with those features may be less reliable. The studies were small, lacked a control group, and/or did not hide the medication's names from the researchers. Vasa and the researchers with the Autism Treatment Network found only a few drug studies that focused solely on youth with autism and anxiety. Do these medications work the same in people with autism? When doing their detective work, Dr. Three types of drugs – antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and beta-blockers (a heart medicine) – are used to treat anxiety in the general population, according to the U.S. What do we know so far, starting with medication? 11 Examining Data on Medication For Anxiety But there is still little research on anxiety in adults with ASD, or in people who have both autism and intellectual disability. Since that 2014 article, a few more studies have been published, with "promising results" for two school-based behavioral therapies for anxiety in autism. Large, long-term studies – the kind that can provide definitive proof of a treatment's effectiveness – were "sorely needed," they concluded. ![]() Unfortunately, they could not find a clear answer because little rock-solid research existed. Vasa, became medical detectives, scouring online libraries to find out. The group, led by child psychiatrist Roma A. National Institute of Mental Health.Ī few years ago, a group of researchers working with the Autism Treatment Network wanted to see what science had to say about anxiety treatment for children and teens with autism. 3-9 By comparison, the anxiety rates in adults and children who do not have autism is 18 and 25 percent, respectively, according to the U.S. About 40 percent of youth – and up to half of adults – meet the clinical criteria of an anxiety disorder, such as social anxiety, phobia, panic disorder, or generalized anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Investigating Anxiety and AutismĪnxiety is one of the most common psychiatric disorders affecting people with autism. 2 Some doctors are promoting research, training others to help these patients, and publishing advice for treating anxiety in people on the spectrum. Of course, that does not mean that people with autism must suffer with anxiety: that extreme fear and dread, sweating, restlessness, and even chest pain for some. In fact, no anxiety medication or therapy for children with autism meets the American Psychological Association guidelines for effectiveness. There are no major clinical trials or proven protocols to guide patients, families, or doctors as to which medications work best, for which symptoms, and in which patients with autism. That's because research into anxiety treatments for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder is spotty, at best. ![]() Scientific research into autism, as well as anxiety, has grown since then, but families and patients still face the same questions as the Gilroys did. "We've seen a marked improvement, and in my mind, it's about a better quality of life for her," Susan Gilroy said. At that point, the teen began taking an anti-anxiety drug and later her doctor added a second medication when new symptoms arose. "In her late teens, things really started falling apart," said her mother, Susan. But her anxiety worsened, affecting her at home and school. Back then, some 20 years ago, no one knew how these drugs would affect someone with autism, like Lindsay. This article focuses on treatment.įor years, the Gilroys resisted giving anxiety medication to their daughter, Lindsay. The first, " Anxiety's Toll on People with Autism," explores symptoms and diagnosis. This is the second of two articles on anxiety in autism. Interactive Autism Network at Kennedy Krieger Institute Interactive Autism Network at Kennedy Krieger Published: January 3, 2018
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