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Divalproex sodium vs. placebo in the treatment of repetitive behaviours in autism spectrum disorder.

Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in three core symptom domains: socialization, communication, and repetitive/stereotyped behaviours. Other associated symptom domains are also affected including impulsivity/aggression, self-injury, anxiety, and mood lability. Divalproex has been shown to have efficacy in treating epilepsy, bipolar disorder, mood lability, and impulsive aggression. The present study evaluated the use of divalproex in the treatment of repetitive, compulsive-like symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thirteen individuals with ASD participated in an 8-wk, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of divalproex sodium vs. placebo. There was a significant group difference on improvement in repetitive behaviours as measured by the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (C-YBOCS) (p=0.037) and a large effect size (d=1.616). This study provides preliminary support for the use of divalproex in treating repetitive behaviours in ASD. Further research is needed to evaluate the specificity and mechanism of action of these findings.
AuthorsEric Hollander, Latha Soorya, Stacey Wasserman, Katherine Esposito, William Chaplin, Evdokia Anagnostou
JournalThe international journal of neuropsychopharmacology (Int J Neuropsychopharmacol) Vol. 9 Issue 2 Pg. 209-13 (Apr 2006) ISSN: 1461-1457 [Print] England
PMID16316486 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
Chemical References
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Placebos
  • Valproic Acid
Topics
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants (therapeutic use)
  • Autistic Disorder (drug therapy, physiopathology)
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personality Inventory
  • Placebos
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Stereotyped Behavior (drug effects)
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Valproic Acid (therapeutic use)

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