Psychopharmacology

Seizure Damage Reversed In Rats By Inhibitory Drug Targeting Neurologic Pathways

Submitted by Anonymous on December 19, 2011 - 12:22
Source: 
Medical News Today
Link: 
Seizure Damage Reversed In Rats By Inhibitory Drug Targeting Neurologic Pathways
Date Published: 
December 19, 2011
Abstract: 

About half of newborns who have seizures go on to have long-term intellectual and memory deficits and cognitive disorders such as autism, but why this occurs has been unknown. In the December 14 Journal of Neuroscience, researchers at Children's Hospital Boston detail how early-life seizures disrupt normal brain development, and show in a rat model that it might be possible to reverse this pathology by giving certain drugs soon after the seizure.

Fetal Exposure to Epilepsy Drug Might Raise Autism Risk: Study

Submitted by Anonymous on December 8, 2011 - 09:07
Source: 
US News & World Report
Link: 
Fetal Exposure to Epilepsy Drug Might Raise Autism Risk: Study
Date Published: 
December 5, 2011
Abstract: 

Children exposed to the epilepsy drug valproate have a nearly three times higher risk of having an autism spectrum disorder, new research finds.

Repetitive behaviors in adults with Autism Spectrum disorders significantly lessen with antidepressant treatment

Submitted by Anonymous on December 5, 2011 - 08:55
Source: 
MedicalXpress
Link: 
Repetitive behaviors in adults with Autism Spectrum disorders significantly lessen with antidepressant treatment
Date Published: 
December 5, 2011
Abstract: 

Restricted, repetitive behavior, such as compulsive arranging and rigid adherence to routines, is a defining symptom of autism spectrum disorders. A 12-week study showed that the antidepressant fluoxetine produced a greater decrease in repetitive behaviors and more overall improvement than placebo in adults with autism spectrum disorders.

Institute For Basic Research in New York seeking adults with Fragile X for New Clinical Trial

Submitted by Anonymous on October 17, 2011 - 10:18
Source: 
October 17, 2011
Abstract: 

The Institute for Basic Research in Staten Island is seeking adult participants for a new Fragile X treatment trial. This is a large scale trial of AFQ056 from Novartis for people aged 18-45 who have Fragile X. AFQ056 is an mGluR5 antagonist. The current study is just for adults but the next step is to extend the trial to ages 12-17. After completing the 20 week trial, participants will be offered the option of taking this medication free of charge until it comes to market.

The Institute for Basic Research in Staten Island is seeking adult participants for a new Fragile X treatment trial. 

This is a large scale trial of AFQ056 from Novartis for people aged 18-45 who have Fragile X.  AFQ056 is an mGluR5 antagonist.  The current study is just for adults but the next step is to extend the trial to ages 12-17.  After completing the 20 week trial, participants will be offered the option of taking this medication free of charge until it comes to market.

The principal investigator on this study is Dr. Angelo Porto, Dept. of Psychology, Institute for Basic Research(IBR). porto_a@medscape.com or 718-494-8028

Additional information about AFQ056 and the study can be found at fraxa.org/getInvolved_studies.aspx

'Autistic' mice created – and treated

Submitted by Anonymous on September 28, 2011 - 23:00
Source: 
New Scientist
Link: 
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20984-autistic-mice-created--and-treated.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news
Date Published: 
October 3, 2011
Abstract: 

A new strain of mice engineered to lack a gene with links to autism displays many of the hallmarks of the condition. It also responds to a drug in the same way as people with autism, which might open the way to new therapies for such people.

Autism-Related Study Discovers How Drug Interferes with Neuronal Cell Function

Submitted by Anonymous on July 7, 2011 - 09:57
Source: 
Science Daily
Link: 
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100707112425.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Latest+Science+News%29
Date Published: 
July 7, 2011
Abstract: 

This study examined mouse neuronal cells during pregnancy to discover how the drug actually interferes at a molecular level with prostaglandins, which are important for development and communication of cells in the brain.

Social Bonding in Prairie Voles Helps Guide Search for Autism Treatments

Submitted by Anonymous on April 28, 2011 - 04:44
Source: 
Emory Woodruff Health Sciences Center
Link: 
http://shared.web.emory.edu/whsc/news/releases/2011/04/social-bonding-in-prairie-voles-helps-guide-search-for-autism-treatments.html
Date Published: 
April 28, 2011
Abstract: 

Researchers at the Center for Translational Social Neuroscience (CTSN) at Emory University are focusing on prairie voles as a new model to screen the effectiveness of drugs to treat autism. They are starting with D-cycloserine, a drug Emory researchers have shown enhances behavioral therapy for phobias and also promotes pair bonding among prairie voles. Giving female voles D-cycloserine, which is thought to facilitate learning and memory, can encourage them to bond with a new male more quickly than usual.

Treatment-resistant epilepsy common in idiopathic autism

Submitted by Anonymous on April 19, 2011 - 04:46
Source: 
Eurek Alert
Link: 
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-04/w-tec041411.php
Date Published: 
April 19. 2011
Abstract: 

A new study found that treatment-resistant epilepsy (TRE) is common in idiopathic autism. Early age at the onset of seizures and delayed global development were associated with a higher frequency of resistance to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Full findings appear online in Epilepsia, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).

Treatments Show Promise in Reducing Autism-related Behaviors, but Some have Significant Side Effects

Submitted by Anonymous on April 4, 2011 - 04:53
Source: 
Agency for Heathcare Research and Quality
Link: 
http://www.ahrq.gov/news/press/pr2011/autismpr.htm
Date Published: 
April 4, 2011
Abstract: 

Some medical and behavioral treatments show promise for reducing certain behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), but more research is needed to assess the potential benefits and harms, according to a new report funded by HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The research results were published online in the journal Pediatrics.

A Systematic Review of Medical Treatments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Submitted by admin on April 1, 2011 - 18:28
Source: 
Pediatrics, McPheeters et al.
Link: 
American Academy of Pediatrics
Date Published: 
April 2011
Year Published: 
2011

Researchers at Vanderbilt University reviewed evidence regarding medical treatment of children 12 years old and younger with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It was found that risperidone and aripiprazole for treatment of challenging and repetitive behaviors in children with ASDs. However, there are significant adverse effects of these medicines, including severe impairment or risk of injury, preventing their wider use. There is currently little evidence present to evaluate the use of other medical treatments for ASDs—neither their positive nor their negative effects.