Efficacy of neuroleptic medication in pervasive developmental disorders of childhood.

A number of studies pertaining to the use of antipsychotic medication in the treatment of pervasively disordered children are reviewed. The drugs examined are chlorpromazine, haloperidol, thioridazine, thiothixene, trifluoperazine, lithium, and other miscellaneous agents. Medication side effects are also reviewed with particular attention to extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia. Although methodological problems complicate the interpretation of the studies, the results support the use of antipsychotic medication in this population. The agents do not have the specificity for psychotic ideation that is seen in adult patients, but are useful for symptoms such as hyperactivity, stereotyped behavior, aggressiveness, impulsivity, self-abusive behavior, and social adaptation.