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document
Differential response of seven subjects with autistic disorder to clomipramine and desipramine . OBJECTIVE Clomipramine , a serotonin reuptake blocker that has unique antiobsessional properties , was hypothesized to have a different effect from that of desipramine , a tricyclic antidepressant with selective adrenergic effects , for the stereotyped , repetitive behaviors in autism . METHOD Seven subjects , ages 6-18 years , with autistic disorder completed a 10-week double-blind , crossover trial of clomipramine and desipramine following a 2-week single-blind , placebo phase . RESULTS Clomipramine was superior to desipramine and placebo , as indicated by standardized ratings of autism and anger as well as ratings of repetitive and compulsive behaviors . Clomipramine and desipramine were equally superior to placebo for ratings of hyperactivity . Parents of all seven subjects elected to have their children continue to take clomipramine after the study . CONCLUSIONS Clomipramine and desipramine are differentially effective in treating the obsessive-compulsive and core symptoms in autistic disorder . Biological links between compulsions and stereotyped , repetitive behaviors in autistic disorder should be explored .
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Intervention_Pharmacological
clomipramine
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Intervention_Pharmacological
desipramine
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Intervention_Pharmacological
clomipramine
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Intervention_Pharmacological
desipramine
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Intervention_Control
placebo
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Outcome_Other
ratings of autism and anger
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Outcome_Mental
ratings of repetitive and compulsive behaviors
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Outcome_Mental
ratings of hyperactivity
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Outcome_Mental
obsessive-compulsive
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Outcome_Physical
core symptoms
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Participant_Sample-size
seven
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Participant_Condition
subjects with autistic disorder
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Participant_Sample-size
Seven
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Participant_Age
ages 6-18 years
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Participant_Condition
autistic disorder
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Participant_Sample-size
seven