Should clinical trial research of psychotropic medication in autism control for gastrointestinal symptoms?

J Clin Pharmacol. 2014 Oct;54(10):1093-6. doi: 10.1002/jcph.324. Epub 2014 May 6.

Abstract

Recent research has established that many children and adult diagnosed with autism experience gastrointestinal symptoms. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that gastrointestinal symptoms can impact drug availability and absorption. In this paper we explore the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in autism and put forth a call for a formal evaluation of the potential relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and psychotropic medication effectiveness in individuals with autism.

Keywords: autism; gastrointestinal symptoms; psychotropic medication.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autistic Disorder / complications
  • Autistic Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Child
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / methods
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Psychotropic Drugs / pharmacokinetics
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs