Children and young people with FASD will often require medication to support their emotional, behavioural or learning issues. Some medications may help manage high energy levels, inability to focus, or depression.
There are limited studies on medication for treating ADHD in FASD, and none for disruptive behaviour disorders in FASD.
There are two main classes of medication which have been studied in people with FASD:
Stimulants
- There is some evidence that stimulant medications (dexamphetamine or methylphenidatehelp) in FASD, based on small randomised control trials and retrospective studies
- In these studies, Connorās rating scales suggested stimulants improved hyperactivity/impulsivity, but were less effective or had limited impact on inattention
- It is not clear whether dexamphetamine or methylphenidate is more effective
Antipsychotics
- Risperidone is widely used for aggression in children with FASD, however there are no published randomised controlled studies in children with FASD
