The utilization of psychopharmacological treatments for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a middle-income European country
Journal
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Date Issued
2024-01-06
Author(s)
Stojanovska, Irena
Chatterjee, Anirban
Ahmed Syed, Yasir
DOI
10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102329
Abstract
Background: Studies examining the utilization of psychopharmacological treatments (psychotropic
medications) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have primarily been carried out in affluent
nations. Nonetheless, there is an evident dearth of data originating from low- and middle-income
countries. Our study sought to comprehensively evaluate the usage of psychopharmacological
treatments and the effectiveness of those treatments as perceived by the parents of individuals
with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Macedonia, a middle-income country in South-Eastern
Europe.
Methods: We conducted a survey involving 103 parents of individuals with ASD and analyzed the
questionnaire responses using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests.
Results: Our research uncovered that 62% of individuals diagnosed with ASD were prescribed
psychopharmacological treatments, yet only 48% actually utilized them. Among the medications
prescribed, antipsychotics (55%) and antiepileptics (44%) were the most common, with risperidone
and valproate being the preferred options. Psychopharmacological treatments were found to
be more commonly used among individuals aged 15 years and above, with children under 8 years
closely following suit at a rate of 56%. Furthermore, we discovered a noteworthy association
between the severity of ASD symptoms and the utilization of these interventions. Intriguingly, the
majority of parents (73%) regarded the effectiveness of psychopharmacological treatments as
only partially effective.
Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the prevalent utilization of psychotropic medication, especially
among young individuals, and underscores the necessity for enhanced dissemination of information
to parents regarding prescribed medications. By integrating our research findings, medical
professionals and policymakers can enhance the strategies and initiatives used to improve the
quality of care and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.
medications) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have primarily been carried out in affluent
nations. Nonetheless, there is an evident dearth of data originating from low- and middle-income
countries. Our study sought to comprehensively evaluate the usage of psychopharmacological
treatments and the effectiveness of those treatments as perceived by the parents of individuals
with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Macedonia, a middle-income country in South-Eastern
Europe.
Methods: We conducted a survey involving 103 parents of individuals with ASD and analyzed the
questionnaire responses using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests.
Results: Our research uncovered that 62% of individuals diagnosed with ASD were prescribed
psychopharmacological treatments, yet only 48% actually utilized them. Among the medications
prescribed, antipsychotics (55%) and antiepileptics (44%) were the most common, with risperidone
and valproate being the preferred options. Psychopharmacological treatments were found to
be more commonly used among individuals aged 15 years and above, with children under 8 years
closely following suit at a rate of 56%. Furthermore, we discovered a noteworthy association
between the severity of ASD symptoms and the utilization of these interventions. Intriguingly, the
majority of parents (73%) regarded the effectiveness of psychopharmacological treatments as
only partially effective.
Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the prevalent utilization of psychotropic medication, especially
among young individuals, and underscores the necessity for enhanced dissemination of information
to parents regarding prescribed medications. By integrating our research findings, medical
professionals and policymakers can enhance the strategies and initiatives used to improve the
quality of care and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Subjects
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