Medication use in Australian children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are commonly treated with psychotropic medications. There is however a paucity of research examining the prevalence of pharmacotherapy and polypharmacy (>2 medications) in these groups. Caregivers of 505 children (2-18 years) with ADHD (n=239), ASD (n=117) or ADHD-ASD (n=149) reported on current medication use and completed symptom rating scales. ADHD was associated with the highest rate of psychotropic medication use (90%), followed by ADHD-ASD (86%) and ASD (39%). Children with ADHD-ASD reported the highest rate of polypharmacy (41%). Although ADHD was associated with the highest overall medication use, comorbid ADHD-ASD was associated with higher odds of experiencing polypharmacy. This research should help to inform treatment strategies for children with comorbid ADHD-ASD.