Trial of Propranolol in Children and Youth with ASD and Predictors of Response
Abstract
Our purpose is to explore the effects of propranolol in children and youth with ASD, and also determine whether psychophysical markers of sympathetic/parasympathetic balance predict response. Our previous neuropsychopharmacological and pharmacofMRI work has demonstrated benefits with single doses in high functioning adults and adolescents. We are examining the effects of serial doses of propranolol on social interaction, and secondarily on language tasks, anxiety, adaptive behaviors, and global function in high-functioning youth (Aim 1a)as well as children (Aim 1b) with autism in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled serial dose trial. We will also explore whether response to treatment can be predicted based upon markers of increased adrenergic tone, such as GSR,HRV, and PLR, and whether anxiety or fcMRI (for the youth) predicts treatment response. The design for both aims will be a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 12 weeks in duration, with psychophysical and neuroimaging (for the youth) biomarkers for prediction of response. Successful completion of this work will therefore directly result in the development of a new evidence-based treatment option for core features of ASD, which does not currently exist. It may also result in markers to predict who is most likely to respond. This could be particularly important as it would have its impact earlier in development for children and will impact the underserved older population as well. Finally, as this agent is widely available in a generic form, it will increase access of care to the underserved
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1050257
Entities
People
- David Q. Beversdorf
Organizations
- University of Missouri