Safety and efficacy of donepezil in children and adolescents with autism: Behavioral measures

Abstract

The desire to ameliorate behavioral, social and communication deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has led to increased interest in the use of cognitive enhancing drugs, such as cholinesterase inhibitors, as a possible treatment for ASD. Objective: The objective of the current study was to assess the tolerability, safety and efficacy of donepezil on behavioral functioning in a group of children and adolescents with ASD. Study Group: A group of 34 children and adolescents (ages 8-17 years; IQ>75) with ASD were enrolled in the study. Methods: The study involved a 10-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of donepezil (doses of 5 mg and 10 mg), followed by a 10-week open label trial for placebo non-responders. Results and Conclusions: The current paper summarizes the results of a set of behavioral outcome measures. While gains were noted across a number of dependent measures of behavior and core features of autism, improvement was noted for both the placebo and active medication groups. No statistically significant between groups differences were found. The results reinforce the need to conduct well-controlled treatment outcome trials in ASD.

Title of journal, book, etc.

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health

Date Published

Friday, January 1, 2010

Author(s)

  • McAuliffe-Bellin, S.J., Hardan, A.O.