Antiepileptic medications in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Tomoya Hirota, Jeremy Veenstra-Vanderweele, Eric Hollander, Taro Kishi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

Electroencephalogram-recorded epileptiform activity is common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), even without clinical seizures. A systematic literature search identified 7 randomized, placebo-controlled trials of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in ASD (total n = 171), including three of valproate, and one each of lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and topiramate. Meta-analysis revealed no significant difference between medication and placebo in four studies targeting irritability/agitation and three studies investigating global improvement, although limitations include lack of power and different medications with diverse actions. Across all seven studies, there was no significant difference in discontinuation rate between two groups. AEDs do not appear to have a large effect size to treat behavioral symptoms in ASD, but further research is needed, particularly in the subgroup of patients with epileptiform abnormalities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)948-957
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Volume44
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2014

Keywords

  • Anticonvulsant
  • Antiepileptic
  • Autism
  • Mood stabilizer
  • Pervasive developmental disorder

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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