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Ziprasidone in adolescents with autism: an open-label pilot study
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Ziprasidone in adolescents with autism: an open-label pilot study

Richard P Malone, Mary Anne Delaney, Susan B Hyman and Jacqueline R Cater
Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, v 17(6), pp 779-790
Dec 2007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/cap.2006.0126
PMID: 18315450
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel

Abstract

Adolescent Antipsychotic Agents - administration & dosage Antipsychotic Agents - adverse effects Antipsychotic Agents - therapeutic use Autistic Disorder - drug therapy Child Cholesterol - blood Dose-Response Relationship, Drug Dystonia - chemically induced Electrocardiography Female Humans Male Pilot Projects Piperazines - administration & dosage Piperazines - adverse effects Piperazines - therapeutic use Prolactin - drug effects Psychiatric Status Rating Scales Psychometrics Thiazoles - administration & dosage Thiazoles - adverse effects Thiazoles - therapeutic use Treatment Outcome Weight Gain - drug effects
The antipsychotic drugs are the best-studied agents shown to reduce symptoms in autism, including hyperactivity, aggression, self-abusive behavior, temper tantrums, lability, irritability, social withdrawal, and stereotypical behaviors. However, significant weight gain has been associated with use of many atypical agents. Ziprasidone has been weight neutral in adult populations, but data from adolescents and patients with autism are sparse. However, ziprasidone administration has been associated with increases in the QTc. The purpose of this study was to collect pilot data on the efficacy and safety of ziprasidone in adolescents with autism, focusing on safety issues of weight gain and QTc. Twelve adolescents with autism (mean age 14.5 +/- 1.8 years) were treated in a 6-week open pilot study. Ziprasidone dosage ranged from 20 to 160 mg/day (mean, 98.3 +/- 40.4 mg/day). The primary efficacy measure was the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement item (CGI-I); other efficacy measures included the Aberrant Behavior Checklist and the Children's Psychiatric Rating Scale. Based on the CGI-I, 9 of 12 (75%) patients were treatment responders. Ziprasidone was weight neutral, and the QTc increased by a mean of 14.7 msec. Two subjects had acute dystonic reactions. Cholesterol decreased and prolactin remained the same. Ziprasidone shows promise as a treatment for adolescents with autism. More definitive trials are needed.

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Web of Science research areas
Pediatrics
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Psychiatry
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