SSRIs or CBT as a treatment method for ASD patients

Sijbesma, Vera (2024) SSRIs or CBT as a treatment method for ASD patients. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of deficits in social communication and restrictive, repetitive behaviours. There are different treatment methods used to decrease ASD symptoms however, the degree of efficacy has not been truly assessed thus far. One of these treatments is the prescription of SSRIs which block the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft prolonging serotonin stimulation. The degree of effect of SSRIs is SSRI type specific with only Fluoxetine and Fluvoxamine improving ASD symptoms, often accompanied by side effects. Another type of treatment is CBT which combines behavioural and cognitive treatment and focuses on replacing harmful thoughts and behaviours with positive ones. It has been shown that CBT is able to reduce ASD and co-morbid disorder symptoms. There is a gap in literature present when looking at the effects of SSRIs on ASD symptoms. While some SSRIs may be able to help it is difficult to know if the benefits outweigh the risks. This indicates that SSRIs should not be used as a first-line treatment. On the other hand, CBT appears to be effective as an ASD treatment, even though the effect size can be debated due to the lack of big cohort studies and the need for adaptive CBT protocols, as these are able to achieve better results than standard of practice CBT protocols. This positive view on the effectiveness of CBT and the lack of possible side effects allows it to be considered as a first-line treatment.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Kas, M.J.H.
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	24 Jun 2024 07:44
Last Modified:	24 Jun 2024 07:44
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/32727

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