The role of pharmacists in the management of autism spectrum disorder: A survey to determine the knowledge and perception of the parents

Authors : Zeliha PALA KARA, Büşra ÇAKIR, Deniz KALELİ DURMAN, B Sönmez UYDEŞ DOĞAN

Pages : 180-185

View : 58 | Download : 10

Publication Date : 2019-12-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :DOI : 10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2019.19042 Background and aims : Autism spectrum disorder insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(ASD); is one of the neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood and has many causes including genetic, neurobiological, environmental as well as other risk factors that can trigger the disorder. The aim of this survey is to determine the knowledge of the families about ASD, the most prescribed medications, their side effects and the alternative therapies used besides to the pharmacological treatment. Methods : This study was survey-based and conducted among parents of children with ASD insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(N=50);. Results : Risperidone, aripiprazole, and valproate were the most prescripted drugs insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(64%); and weight gain insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=14);, increased aggressive behavior insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=11); and drowsiness/sedation insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=11); were reported as the main side effects. Besides to pharmacological therapy, most of ASD children have used complementary and alternative medicine like gluten and casein-free diet insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n =23); or the sugar diet insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=15); as well as omega-3 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=43);, multivitamins insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=40);, heavy metal chelation agents insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=27);, vitamin B12 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=18);, zinc insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=17); vitamin D insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=9);, and probiotics insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n= 7);. Conclusion : It is revealed that pharmacists should be able to inform the parents about the general characteristics of ASD, to inform the parents about new treatment approaches and providing rational use of prescribed drugs in children with autism. You may cite this article as : Pala Kara Z, Çakır B, Kaleli Durman D, Uydeş Doğan S insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2019);. The role of pharmacists in the management of autism spectrum disorder: A survey to determine the knowledge and perception of the parents. Istanbul J Pharm 10.26650/IstanbulJPharm.2019.19042.
Keywords : Autism spectrum disorder, pharmacist role, pharmacological therapy, complemenatry and alternative medicine

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