The Use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Young Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Some Clinical Observations

Objective: To study the effects of a new group of psychotropic medications, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), on some symptoms of young children (under 7 years old) with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Method: Open clinical trial. Results: Medications produced positive results in half the children, particularly those with obsessional, repetitive, and anxiety symptoms. The medication was discontinued in half the children: one-quarter for worsening of symptoms and the other quarter for doubtful side effects. Conclusions: SSRIs may have a role to play in ameliorating some symptoms of PDD. Further studies with standardized measurements, however, are needed to elucidate which children and what symptoms could benefit from which medication. (Can J Psychiatry 1996;41:361–366) Key Words: autism, pervasive developmental disorders, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors Several groups of medications have been used for theamelioration of some of the symptoms of PDD such as aggression, hyperactivity, insomnia, temper tantrums, with-drawal, stereotypies, self-injurious behaviour, depression