Section - CAP Smart Takes

01. Updates in Psychopharmacology for the Core and Associated Symptoms of ASD

Published on March 1, 2023 Certification expiration date: March 1, 2029

David R. Rosenberg, M.D.

Chair of the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience - Wayne State University School of Medicine

Key Points

Risperidone and aripiprazole are FDA approved to treat irritability in children and adolescents with ASD.
Oxytocin, vasopressin, and memantine have all been trialed to target social impairment in ASD but with no significant or consistent benefits.
SSRIs have not shown any benefit for repetitive behaviors in ASD.

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Text version

Hi! David Rosenberg here for the Psychopharmacology Institute. In this CAP—or Child and Adolescent Psychiatry—Smart Take, we will examine the psychopharmacology for core and associated symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is incredibly important because we know that most children and adolescents with ASD are on medications, but their effectiveness and use still have many more questions than answers. Moreover, there has been much excitement for new medication trials that target the core associated symptoms of ASD, as well as the behavioral symptoms that coexist. Now, we know that risperidone and aripiprazole , both SGAs medicines, are FDA approved for the treatment of irritability in children and adolescents with ASD, not the core autism features, such as socialization problems or repetitive behaviors. They seem to work, but who is more or less likely to respond beforehand is never clear.

Moreover, the medicines have significant side effects: Weight gain, metabolic

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02. Impact of ADHD Medications on Anxiety and Depression in Youth

Learning Objectives:

Recognize that the neuropeptides targeting social impairment in autism spectrum disorder—oxytocin and vasopressin—do not appear to be effective.
Conclude that although depression and anxiety are listed as common side effects in youth treated with ADHD medications, few studies report depression or anxiety as an outcome or side effect.
Acknowledge that ziprasidone use may be associated with less risk for weight gain and metabolic abnormalities, such as diabetes, than other SGAs medications.
Identify the pharmacologic action and potential role of ketamine in treating adolescent depression.
Identify the impact of antipsychotics on prolactin levels in children and adolescents.

Original Release Date: March 1, 2023

Review and Re-release Date: March 1, 2026

Expiration Date: March 1, 2029

Expert: David Rosenberg, M.D.

Medical Editor: Lorena Rodriguez, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

None of the faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

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

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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.