Gabapentin treatment for challenging behaviors in autism spectrum disorder and coexisting intellectual disability: a case report

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this case report is to report the clinical experience of the use of gabapentin in the management of problem behaviors in a person with autism spectrum disorder and comorbid intellectual disability. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a high prevalence of intellectual disability. Challenging behaviors in autism spectrum disorder are very common. In recent years, the hypothesis that the symptoms of autism derive from a deficiency of the inhibitory neurotransmission of gamma-aminobutyric acid is gaining considerable weight.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploring behavioral symptoms improvement in an adult man with ASD and severe intellectual disability taking gabapentin.

Findings

The rating scales used show improvement in challenging behaviors and aggressions. No side effects were observed.

Originality/value

Currently, there are no authorized drugs for the treatment of the symptomatic features of autism spectrum disorder, but drugs are used for comorbid psychopathological aspects. The authors want to speculate on a hypothetical function of gabapentin in remodeling the expression of alpha-2-delta subunits in people with autism and the processing of neural information.

Citation

Marini, S., D'Agostino, L., Ciamarra, C., De Berardis, D. and Gentile, A. (2024), "Gabapentin treatment for challenging behaviors in autism spectrum disorder and coexisting intellectual disability: a case report", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 101-109. https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-06-2023-0021