| At a glance: Typical antipsychotics |
Type of therapy
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Medical
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The claim
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Reduces the behavioural characteristics of autism including aggressive, hyperactive and repetitive behaviour.
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Suitable for
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People with ASD
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Research rating
Find out more about this rating system in our FAQs. |
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Warnings
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This medication can have some side effects including stiffness, restlessness and involuntary movements. These side effects can get worse and may become permanent if the drugs are used over a long period of time or if amounts higher than the optimal dose are taken. |
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Time
Estimate of the total time for family in hours per week and duration. |
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It takes very little time to take the medication, although treatment might be ongoing. |
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Cost
Estimate of cost to family per session/item or week. |
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The cost will vary depending on the strength of the drug and how often it is taken. |
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About this intervention
What is it?
Typical antipsychotics are a group of drugs that are traditionally prescribed to people for psychotic disorders and symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and hostility. These drugs are also prescribed to control tics. For children with autism, typical antipsychotics have been prescribed to improve severe behavioural problems, such as aggressive or hyperactive behaviour.
Some commonly prescribed typical antipsychotics for autism are Haloperidol, Fluphenazine and Thioridazine. These medications are also known as neuroleptics.
Who is it for?
These medications can be used for any person with autism. There are no age restrictions.
What is it used for?
Some people believe that typical antipsychotics can be used to treat some of the more difficult behaviour problems faced by people with autism, including aggressive behaviour, severe temper tantrums, hyperactive behaviour, withdrawal and repetitive behaviours.
Where does it come from?
Typical antipsychotics were first developed in the 1950s as treatment for serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Later, in the 1970s and 1980s, researchers started testing typical antipsychotics for use with children with autism, as a possible treatment for behavioural symptoms. These tests showed some significant side-effects. This led to the development of atypical antipsychotics, which have fewer side-effects.
What is the idea behind it?
Typical antipsychotics act by altering the way some chemicals (called neurotransmitters) in the brain work. The idea is that problems with these chemicals may lead to increased activity in the affected areas of the brain, and that this underlies the behavioural symptoms of autism.
What does it involve?
This therapy involves taking oral medication on a daily basis. The specific medication and dosage will depend on each child’s symptoms.
This medication has a risk of significant side-effects, so a specialist medical practitioner such as a psychiatrist should monitor the person receiving the medication. Regular appointments with this professional will be needed.
Cost considerations
The cost of this therapy is ongoing, and varies depending on:
- the type of medication used (that is, the specific brand of drug)
- whether the drug is covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
- the drug dose or strength
- whether the consumer holds a concession card, such as a Health Care Card.
Does it work?
This therapy has not yet been rated.
Significant side-effects have been noted with the use of these medications (including stiffness, restlessness and involuntary movements). The risk of severe side-effects increases if the drugs are used over a long period of time or if amounts higher than the optimal dose are taken. For this reason, long-term use is not recommended, and atypical antipsychotics have gained popularity as an alternative.
Who practises this method?
Your GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist can prescribe typical antipsychotics and offer you information about the potential benefits and risks of using them.
Parent education, training, support and involvement
You will need to be involved to ensure that your child takes the medication as required, and to monitor the effects of the medication.
Where can I find a practitioner?
It is best to speak to your GP, paediatrician or a psychiatrist about this therapy.
