Prozac Nation

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which is a rather fancy way of saying that it works by making more of the neurotransmitter serotonin available in the synapses (the spaces between neurons) in the brain. Given that serotonin levels have been linked to much of what spiritually ails we humans (and mice of course), and that parents of children with autism and all of us in the field are so desperate to find avenues of improving our childrens' lives, it is no wonder that studies are being conducted to investigate the effectiveness of using SSRI's such as Prozac for children with autism.

A study currently being conducted by a specialty pharmaceutical company called Neuropharm Group, which manufactures a new form of fluoxetine, has so far yielded disappointing results. This study investigated the effects of this new form of Paxil on the repetitive behaviors of children with autism. In this double blind study, results have demonstrated that both Paxil and placebo reduced the repetitive behavior of children with autism, and that the differences between the two were not significant.

There are two interesting aspects of this study to me. First, the study was sponsored by the same company that manufactures the medicine, and their conclusions were that it was no more effective than placebo. This conclusion will result in tremendous financial losses for this company, yet they had the integrity to publicize these negative results. While one certainly can't conclude that all drug companies have integrity, it is clear that at least one does. Second, it is always interesting to me to think about the power of a placebo. Simply the belief that an intervention will work will often "cause" the intervention to work. The general effectiveness of placebos begs the classic mind/body question. Does it make any sense at all to assume that the mind is somehow different from the body?

Classic studies done in the 1970's revealed that the neurochemistry of actors who pretended to be depressed or schizophrenic yielded the same metabolites in their urine as patients hospitalized for those conditions for many years. So if we do separate our thoughts from our chemistry, then we must always ask the chicken and egg question. And if our thoughts change our chemistry, and our chemistry changes our thoughts, how should one intervene?

..... Our deepest regrets and prayers are with our Southern California scheduler Linda for her recent loss. Also, we wish Chrisa Sadd a speedy recovery, and a very happy birthday to Elizabeth Fraines.