Inositol treatment of autism

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Abstract
Recent studies suggest that serotonin reuptake inhibitors are helpful in at least some symptoms of autism. Inositol is a precursor of the second messenger for some serotonin receptors, and has been reported effective in depression, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However a controlled double-blind crossover trial of inositol 200 mg/kg per day showed no benefit in 9 children with autism. Since biochemical studies suggest that inositol may augment serotonin effects, future studies could evaluate inositol in children already receiving serotonin reuptake inhibitors.