Current status and research progress of drug therapy in childhood autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social disorders and restricted,repetitive stereotyped behaviors.The pathogenesis of ASD is not clear.There are no recognized drugs that could be used to improve the core symptoms of ASD.Drug treatment is mainly aimed at their emotional problems and inappropriate behavior.Atypical second-generation antipsychotic drugs such as risperidone and aripiprazole are commonly used to deal with the emotional and behavioral problems of children with ASD.Comorbidities such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,epilepsy,gastrointestinal symptoms and sleep disorder are common in children with ASD.Methylphenidate and atomoxetine are the first choice for the treatment of ASD with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.At present,there are still some drugs that have not been widely used in clinical practice,and need further support from evidence-based medicine.