Rebound compulsive behaviors upon abrupt discontinuation of valproate in a child with autistic disorder.

Abstract

Compulsive behaviors are commonly encountered in children and adolescents with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Psychotopic drugs are shown to be effective in the treatment of compulsive behaviors, stereotypical movements and aggressive symptoms. Valproate is usually used for the comorbid epilepsy in ASD. The role and efficacy of valproate in the psychiatric treatment of ASD, however, have been shown in a limited number of studies. In this case report, the abrupt discontinuation of valproate by family, which has been used for the treatment of epilepsy, in an 16-year-old girl with autistic disorder will be presented. In this case, rebound compulsive behaviors emerged with the discontinuation of valproate and symptoms disappeared with the restarting of the drug. In the management of ASD cases, especially for the drug treatment, family education and close follow up are of vital importance.