Use of citalopram in pervasive developmental disorders

J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2003 Apr;24(2):104-8. doi: 10.1097/00004703-200304000-00005.

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness and tolerability of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram in the treatment of patients with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). The medical charts of 15 children and adolescents (aged 6-16 yr) with Asperger syndrome, autism, or PDD not otherwise specified treated with citalopram were retrospectively reviewed. The final dose of citalopram was 16.9 +/- 12.1 mg/day with a treatment duration of 218.8 +/- 167.2 days. Independent ratings of the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) Severity and Improvement scales allowed comparison between baseline and PDD symptoms at the last visit. Eleven adolescents (73%) exhibited significant improvement in PDD, anxiety, or mood CGI score (z = 2.95; p =.003). Anxiety symptoms associated with PDDs improved significantly in 66% of patients (z = 2.83, p =.005), and mood symptoms improved significantly in 47% of patients (z = 2.78, p =.005). Mild side effects were reported by five patients (33%). These data suggest citalopram may be effective, safe, and well tolerated as part of the treatment of PDDs.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / adverse effects
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / therapeutic use*
  • Asperger Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Asperger Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Asperger Syndrome / psychology
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
  • Autistic Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / drug therapy*
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology
  • Citalopram / adverse effects
  • Citalopram / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Citalopram