Psychotropic medication prescribing for neuropsychiatric comorbidities in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the UK (Besag, 2020)

Killaspy Helen  Priebe Stefan  King Michael  Eldridge Sandra  McCrone Paul  Shepherd Geoff  Arbuthnott Maurice  Leavey Gerard  Curtis Sarah, McPherson Peter  Dowling Sarah. 

Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders. Feb2020, Vol. 50 Issue 2, p625-633. 9p. 1 Diagram, 1 Chart, 4 Graphs.

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong disorder. In the UK, risperidone is the only psychotropic medication approved for the management of the behavioural symptoms that may accompany autism. This is a population-based study aimed to provide an evaluation of the changing trend in the incidence and prevalence of ASD and to analyse the pattern of psychotropic medication prescribing in the UK. 20,194 patients with ASD were identified. The prevalence increased 3.3-fold from 0.109 per 100 persons in 2009 to 0.355 per 100 persons in 2016. Approximately one-third of the identified cohort was prescribed at least one psychotropic medication. Although the medications approved to manage the symptoms of ASD are limited, the prescribing of such medications is increasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]earch programme with feasibility RCT. Programme Grants for Applied Research, 7(7