If you have a family member who suffers from Asperger's, you may have an increased risk for social problems, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Asperger's patients have difficulty relating to others on an emotional level and forming developmentally appropriate relationships. As a result, people with Asperger's often suffer from social isolation and depression. Symptoms may be alleviated by taking certain vitamins. Consult your doctor before beginning a vitamin regimen.
Autism Spectrum
Like autism, Asperger's is a pervasive developmental disorder with symptoms that emerge in the first few years of life. The main difference between the two is that most cases of autism are associated with some degree of mental retardation, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Asperger's is sometimes referred to as a disorder on the autism spectrum. As such, vitamins for Asperger's can also be taken to alleviate symptoms of autism. Consult your doctor before taking supplements or giving them to your child to treat symptoms.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 is essential for your nervous system to function effectively. It is also needed for production of serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are responsible for communication between nerve cells. Therefore, vitamin B deficiency is associated with deficits in neurological functioning. These deficits may cause health problems such as seizures and depression, which are associated with people who have an autism spectrum disorder.
Role of Magnesium
High doses of vitamin B-6 may cause irritability or sensitivity to sound. However, taking magnesium along with vitamin B-6 has been shown to prevent these side effects. The combination of vitamin B-6 and magnesium is typically well tolerated, and benefits roughly half of autism spectrum disorder cases, according to a study published in the December 2002 issue of "Alternative Medicine Review."
Benefits
Research on vitamin B-6 as a treatment for autism symptoms began in the 1960s. According to Dr. Bernard Rimland of the Autism Research Institute, all the studies he knows of have yielded positive results. In a study he conducted, Rimland found that high doses of vitamin B-6 over four months significantly improved symptoms of 30 percent to 40 percent of children with autism. Studies have shown that the high doses of vitamin B-6 resulted in the children's improved eye contact, fewer temper tantrums and more interest in the world around them.
Medications
According to the Interactive Autism Network, the majority of medications taken for autism spectrum disorders are psychotropic drugs, about half of which are prescribed by psychiatrists. Stimulants, such as Ritalin, methylphenidate, treat symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and distractability. Neuroleptics, such as Risperdal, risperidone, are used to decrease irritability, tantrums and aggression. Anti-depressants, such as Prozac, fluoxetine, are used to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety and unstable mood. Seizures and migranes are treated with anti-convulsants, such as Depakote, divalproex sodium. All of these drugs require close monitoring and are associated with severe side effects.
References
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet: Vitamin B
- "Alternative Medical Review: A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic"; Autism: An Extreme Challenge to Integrative Medicine, Part 2: Medical Management; P.M. Kidd; December 2002
- "Autism Research Review International"; Autistic Children: Vitamin B6, Magnesium and Autism; Dr. Bernard Rimland; 1987
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
- Autism Speaks: IAN Research Findings Medications
