Expert Consultations: Real-World Answers

The Role of Psychopharmacology in Autism Spectrum Disorder – Interview

Published on March 1, 2024 Certification expiration date: March 1, 2027

Guest

Richard Seeber

To unlock this audio you need to become a Silver, Gold, Silver extended or Gold extended Member.

Check Our CME Program

Downloads for Offline Access

Download Audio File (MP3)

Interview Highlights

A trial of lorazepam may be helpful for patients with autism spectrum disorder and symptoms of catatonia, as catatonia often improves with lorazepam.
For patients with autism spectrum disorder presenting with sleep disturbances, behavioral treatment should be initiated. Melatonin, which can be dosed at a maximum of 10 mg daily, is also a good pharmacologic option.

Text Version

This edition of Psychopharmacology Institute’s Expert Consultations features Christopher Keary, M.D., who is a staff psychiatrist at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Lurie Center for Autism. He is also the Behavioral Director of the Angelman Syndrome Behavioral Clinic and Assistant Program Director of the Multidisciplinary Clinic for Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Additionally, he is an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. In

Unlock this Expert Consultation and earn 0.50 CMEs
Become a Silver, Gold, Silver extended or Gold extended Member.

Get Instant Access

Already have an account? Sign in

Learning Objectives:

After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Discuss management strategies of catatonia, anxiety, and sleep issues associated with ASD.
Identify specific psychopharmacologic agents that may be helpful in the management of ASD-related symptoms, such as lorazepam, buspirone, and melatonin.
Understand the importance of family involvement in therapy for patients with ASD and identify key strategies for family engagement.

Original Release Date: March 1, 2024

Expiration Date: March 1, 2027

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

Christopher Keary declares the following interests:

- Biogen: Advisory Board

- Ionis Pharmaceuticals: Advisory Board

All of the relevant financial relationships listed above have been mitigated by Medical Academy and the Psychopharmacology Institute.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Instructions for Participation and Credit:

Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
Download your certificate.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Christopher Keary, M.D.