1. Use of medicines in adults with autism spectrum disorder in Australia.
- Author
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Lim, Renly, Moffat, Anna K., Young, Robyn, and Kalisch Ellett, Lisa M.
- Subjects
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ANTIDEPRESSANTS , *CITALOPRAM , *PILOT projects , *PSYCHIATRIC drugs , *ALBUTEROL , *QUETIAPINE , *RETROSPECTIVE studies , *MENTAL health , *AUTISM , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *DRUG utilization , *ANTIPSYCHOTIC agents , *TRANQUILIZING drugs , *SERTRALINE , *RISPERIDONE - Abstract
Use of psychotropic medicines such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytics is common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, very little is known about medicine use in adults with ASD. This pilot project aimed to describe medicines use in Australian adults with ASD. We conducted a retrospective analysis of mental health care plan records for adults with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD from a single metropolitan psychology practice. One hundred and twenty one of the 168 participants (72%) were taking at least one medicine. Fifty‐nine of the 168 persons whose care plans were reviewed (35%) were taking an antidepressant, the most frequently prescribed psychotropic medicine. Twenty‐three (14%) were prescribed a medicine for airways disease, most commonly salbutamol. Antipsychotics were used by 11% and anxiolytic/hypnotics by 10%. The most commonly used antidepressants were sertraline and escitalopram (21 and 19% of antidepressant users, respectively). The most commonly used antipsychotics were quetiapine and risperidone (32% and 27%, respectively). This pilot project has highlighted that use of psychotropic medicines is common in adults with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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