Abstract
Fifteen autistic individuals were involved in an investigation using fenfluramine and placebo in a double-blind crossover design. Subjects were assessed using IQ tests, the Real Life Rating Scale (RLRS), the Adaptive Behavior Scale-School Edition (ABS-SE), and videotaped play data on 8 of 12 visits, including 2 follow-up visits. Serotonin level in platelet-poor plasma was assessed on all 12 visits. Serotonin levels decreased with the administration of fenfluramine, and increased with the reinstatement of placebo. Statistical tests revealed no significant differences on the IQ scores, the RLRS, or the ABS-SE for the drug versus the placebo conditions. Videotaped data favored the subjects while on placebo. Group and individual data were analyzed over time and indicated no significant improvements due to the drug. The implications of this research make it difficult to recommend fenfluramine as a treatment for autism.
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The authors thank the classroom staff, outpatient workers, regional managers, and social workers for all their help, cooperation, and support throughout this study. A special thanks goes to the Parent Relief staff, particularly Linda Lipka and Bob Adair. This study could not have been conducted without the help of Steve Cohen, Nancy Freeman, Margaret Howard, Binnie Hyman, Adrienne Perry, Patricia Reid, Don Smith, Robyn Williston, and Dr. Michael Sole and Dr. Nassir Hussain of the Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto. Additionally we thank Leticia Byrch, R. N., for her invaluable services during this study. The Ontario Society for Autistic Citizens gave its support both financially and otherwise, and for this we thank them. Finally, we thank Robins Drug Co., whose contributions included financial support, the fenfluramine pills, and the placebo pills. It was with the help of the above-named people and more that we were able to carry out this study.
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Sherman, J., Factor, D.C., Swinson, R. et al. The effects of fenfluramine (Hydrochloride) on the behaviors of fifteen autistic children. J Autism Dev Disord 19, 533–543 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02212856
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02212856