Psychotropic treatment of Autism

The therapy for autism and other pervasive developmental disorders is based on a multimodal intervention that includes not only pharmacological approaches but also nonmedical treatments such as rehabilitative, behavioral, and educational interventions. This approach requires a multidisciplinary team composed of medical physicians (psychiatrists or developmental neurologists), psychologists, different types of therapists (occupational, language, physical, and many other therapists), and, of course, the parents. The present chapter will review the existing pharmacological treatments, focusing on the most prescribed psychotropic medications in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, such as antipsychotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, and psychostimulants, and clarifying the use of less traditional ones.