Review of the Evidence for Treatment of Children with Autism with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

PURPOSE. To review the potential role of serotonin dysregulation in autism and the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating core deficits and associated symptoms of autism in children. The literature was searched for reports of SSRI use in children with autism. Data are presented from prospective clinical trials that evaluated treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS. Some SSRIs show moderate success in managing specific behaviors. Only fluoxetine shows evidence of decreasing global autism severity. PRACTICE IMPLICATION. Definitive conclusions concerning selection criteria, dosage, safety, and efficacy cannot be drawn given the current state of evidence.