Role of Antiepileptic Drugs in Cognitive and Behavioral Disorders in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Authors: Siniscalchi A*, Pezzella FR, Anticoli, Filippis R and Gallelli L

DOI: 10.23880/nnoaj-16000101

Volume 1, Issue 1

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of syndromes of diverse etiology with a common set of core symptoms that include three core symptoms: communication difficulties, social challenges and repetitive behavior. Drugs for treating these symptoms represent a huge area of unmet need, especially in pediatric population. Side effects affecting lipids and glucose metabolism and neurological status are among main concernes. Newer Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have improved side effect profiles and have shown some efficacy in subiects for treating aggressive symptoms in children with ASDs. In this review we examine and illustrate the mechanisms of action of AEDs; we speculate on the possible effect of new AEDs on pathophysiological mechanisms and on their clinical efficacy in cognitive and behavioral disorders of ASDs patients.

Keywords:

Autism; Epilepsya; Treatment; Cognition

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