@article{ref1,
title="Treatment of aggression in adults with autism spectrum disorder: a review",
journal="Harvard review of psychiatry",
year="2021",
author="Im, David S.",
volume="29",
number="1",
pages="35-80",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by markedly impaired social interaction, impaired communication, and  restricted/repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. In addition  to challenges caused by core symptoms, maladaptive behaviors such as aggression can  be associated with ASD and can further disrupt functioning and quality of life. For  adults with ASD, these behaviors can portend adverse outcomes (e.g., harm to others  or to the individual with ASD, hindering of employment opportunities, criminal  justice system involvement). This article reviews the scientific literature to  provide an update on evidence-based interventions for aggression in adults with ASD. <br><br>METHOD: A search of the electronic databases CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO was  conducted using relevant search terms. After reviewing titles, abstracts,  full-length articles, and reference lists, 70 articles were identified and reviewed. <br><br>RESULTS: The strongest (controlled trial) evidence suggests beneficial effects of  risperidone, propranolol, fluvoxamine, vigorous aerobic exercise, and  dextromethorphan/quinidine for treating aggression in adults with ASD, with lower  levels of evidence supporting behavioral interventions, multisensory environments,  yokukansan, and other treatments. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Additional randomized, controlled  trials using consistent methodology that adequately addresses sources of bias are  needed to determine which treatments are reliably effective in addressing aggression  in adults with ASD. In the meantime, considering efficacy and adverse  effect/long-term risk profiles, a practical approach could start with functional  assessment-informed behavioral interventions along with encouragement of regular,  vigorous aerobic exercise to target aggression in adults with ASD, with  pharmacotherapy employed if these interventions are unavailable or inadequate based  on symptom acuity.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1067-3229",
doi="10.1097/HRP.0000000000000282",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000282"
}