Gastrointestinal dysfunction in autistic spectrum disorder and therapeutic possibilities

Authors

  • Débora Araújo Mendes Vilela Médico residente, Serviço de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Santo Amaro, Santo Amaro, SP.
  • Higor Bermudes Nascimento Médico residente, Serviço de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Santo Amaro, Santo Amaro, SP.
  • Sônia Maria Motta Palma Coordenadora, Ambulatório de Psiquiatria da Infância e Adolescência, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Santo Amaro, Santo Amaro, SP.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2019.v9.46

Keywords:

Gastrointestinal disorders, autism spectrum disorder, diet

Abstract

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by social deficits, language impairments, and repetitive behaviors with restricted interests. Gastrointestinal disorders are common in children with ASD, and studies have suggested that these changes may interfere with pathogenesis and prognosis in these individuals. The most common symptoms are chronic diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, gastroesophageal reflux and food intolerance. Gastrointestinal dysfunctions may manifest only by behavioral changes and thus interfere with the functioning of the individual, and may also affect the family relationship, being determinants of quality of life in these individuals. These changes may manifest as self- and hetero-aggression, as well as sleep disturbance or irritability. Due to the social interaction difficulties and speech alterations observed in individuals with ASD, in some cases gastrointestinal disorders are not recognized by the medical team, and behavioral changes are exclusively attributed to ASD, leading to treatment failure. Psychopharmaceuticals used to treat behavioral changes in ASD patients, such as risperidone, may also contribute to altering these children’s dietary patterns and gastrointestinal problems. Multidisciplinary followup is important in order to optimize and ensure earlier diagnosis and identify gastrointestinal problems, thus establishing individualized treatment and avoiding future limitations.

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Published

2019-12-27

How to Cite

1.
Vilela DAM, Nascimento HB, Palma SMM. Gastrointestinal dysfunction in autistic spectrum disorder and therapeutic possibilities. Debates Psiquiatr. [Internet]. 2019 Dec. 27 [cited 2026 Jun. 3];9(4):34-42. Available from: https://revistardp.org.br/revista/article/view/46

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 4 (2019)

Section

Review Articles

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