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Pervasive developmental disorder - Asperger syndrome
Treatment depends on the patient's level of adaptive functioning. A high IQ will bring a better outlook than a below-average one. Because the patient may have average or above average intelligence, improvements in social function are particularly important.
For patients with severe impairment, treatment is similar to autism therapy.
Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antipsychotics, and stimulants may be used to treat problems such as anxiety, depression, and aggression.
As with most developmental disorders, the long-term outcome will vary according to the nature of the underlying problem and therapies used to support continued development.
Call for an appointment with your provider if your child does not respond to people, has odd or peculiar speech, or has behavior that may lead to self-harm.
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 1994.
McPartland J. Asperger's syndrome. Adolesc Med Clin. Oct 2006; 17(3): 771-88; abstract xiii.