What are typical antipsychotics?
Typical antipsychotics are medicines that are traditionally prescribed for psychotic disorders and symptoms like hallucinations, delusions and hostility. These medicines are also prescribed to control tics.
Some commonly prescribed typical antipsychotics are haloperidol, chlorpromazine and fluphenazine. These medicines are also known as neuroleptics.
Who are typical antipsychotics for?
Typical antipsychotics are for people who have psychotic disorders.
If they’re prescribed for autistic children, it’s usually because children’s behaviour is causing distress or safety concerns, and other therapies haven’t helped.
What are typical antipsychotics used for in autism therapy?
Typical antipsychotics can be used to treat challenging behaviour issues in autistic people, including aggressive behaviour, severe tantrums, hyperactive behaviour, withdrawal and repetitive behaviour.
Where do typical antipsychotics come from?
Typical antipsychotics were first developed in the 1950s as a treatment for serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia.
In the 1970s and 1980s, researchers started testing typical antipsychotics as a possible treatment for challenging behaviour in autistic children. These tests showed significant side effects. This led to the development of atypical antipsychotics, which have fewer side effects and are now more commonly used.
What is the idea behind typical antipsychotics?
Problems with brain chemicals called neurotransmitters can lead to increased activity in certain areas of the brain. This increased activity might contribute to challenging behaviour like aggression or extreme agitation in some autistic people. The idea is that typical antipsychotics alter the way neurotransmitters work and therefore help to reduce this behaviour for some autistic people.
What does the use of typical antipsychotics involve?
If a child is using typical antipsychotics, they take oral medicine on a daily basis. The specific medicine and dosage depends on the child’s individual needs.
This medicine has a risk of significant side effects, so a specialist doctor like a psychiatrist should monitor the child taking the medicine. The child needs to have regular appointments with this doctor. They also need regular health checks to monitor their growth and health, including their weight gain and liver function.
Do typical antipsychotics help autistic children?
Significant side effects have been noted with the use of typical antipsychotics. These side effects include stiffness, restlessness and involuntary movements.
The risk of severe side effects increases if a child uses the medicine over a long period of time or takes amounts higher than the optimal dose. For this reason, long-term use isn’t recommended, and atypical antipsychotics have become the preferred option. Atypical antipsychotics might also be more effective.
Who prescribes typical antipsychotics?
GPs, paediatricians and psychiatrists can prescribe typical antipsychotics and give you information about the potential benefits and risks of using them.
Where can you find a a doctor who prescribes typical antipsychotics?
Speak to your GP or paediatrician or a psychiatrist about typical antipsychotics.
You can find psychiatrists at Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists – Find a psychiatrist.
How are parents involved if an autistic child is taking typical antipsychotics?
If your child is taking typical antipsychotics, you need to ensure that your child takes the medicine as required. You also need to monitor the effects of the medicine.
How much do typical antipsychotics cost?
The cost of this therapy varies depending on the brand of medicine used and its dose or strength. It also depends on whether the medicine is covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and whether you hold a concession card like a Health Care Card.
Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.