Pharmacological management of pervasive developmental disorders

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of psychotropic medication use in children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) by evaluating the differences between children under treatment and or not.

Method: Two hundred and fifty six children with PDD who were referred to Ankara University School of Medicine, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic between 2000-2002 were reviewed retrospectively. Sociodemographic data, PDD symptoms of children, drugs, and comarbidity were obtained by a semi-structured form.

Results: Psychotropic medication was used in the 37.5% (n=96) of the patients. Atypical antipsychotics were the most preferred drugs. Hyperactivity, attention deficit, self-mutilation, eating problem, and perseveration symptoms were detected as significant predictors for drug usage. In addition, the rates of children with comorbid medical disorder, EEG abnormality and past seizure history were significantly higher in the medication using group.

Conclusion: Behavioral problems were the most important factor in drug use. Children who have these symptoms and comorbid medical conditions with PDD should be evaluated throughly for drug treatment in clinical practice.