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Pharmacological Modulation of GABA Function in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review of Human Studies

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Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders are an emerging health problem worldwide, but little is known about their pathogenesis. It has been hypothesized that autism may result from an imbalance between excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic pathways. Commonly used medications such as valproate, acamprosate, and arbaclofen may act on the GABAergic system and be a potential treatment for people with ASD. The present systematic review aimed at evaluating the state-of-the-art of clinical trials of GABA modulators in autism. To date there is insufficient evidence to suggest the use of these drugs in autistic subjects, even if data are promising. Of note, short-term use of all the reviewed medications appears to be safe. Future well designed trials are needed to elucidate these preliminary findings.

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Author contributions

NB conceived of the study, participated in its design and coordination and drafted the manuscript; LF participated in the design and coordination of the study and drafted the manuscript; CP participated in the design of the study and helped to draft the manuscript; SD participated in the design of the study and helped to draft the manuscript; FB participated in the design and coordination of the study and helped to draft the manuscript; PP conceived of the study, and participated in its design and coordination and helped to draft the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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  1. Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100, Pavia, Italy

    Natascia Brondino, Laura Fusar-Poli, Cristina Panisi, Stefano Damiani, Francesco Barale & Pierluigi Politi

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  1. Natascia Brondino
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  2. Laura Fusar-Poli
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Correspondence to Natascia Brondino.

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Brondino, N., Fusar-Poli, L., Panisi, C. et al. Pharmacological Modulation of GABA Function in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review of Human Studies. J Autism Dev Disord 46, 825–839 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2619-y

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