Reduction of Aggressive Episodes After Repeated Transdermal Nicotine Administration in a Hospitalized Adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder

摘要: Aggression remains a major cause of morbidity in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Current pharmacotherapy for aggression is not always effective and often associated morbidity. Nicotinic acetylcholinergic neurotransmission may play prominent role ASD pathophysiology based on human animal studies, preclinical studies show nicotine administration can reduce aggression-related behaviors. Transdermal has been used to treat agitation neuropsychiatric conditions cholinergic dysfunction. Here we report the use transdermal as an adjunctive medication hospitalized adolescent ASD. Nicotine patch was recurrently well tolerated, reduced need emergency restraint. These findings suggest further study comorbid warranted.