D-cycloserine, a drug that has shown to reduce symptoms in schizophrenics, appears to significantly improve social and communication skills in children with autism, according to the results of a small pilot study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

Dr. David J. Posey, of the Riley Hospital for Children, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and colleagues examined the effect of D-cycloserine on social impairment in 12 autistic children. Patient outcome was determined by changes in scores on the Clinical Global Impression scale and Aberrant Behavior Checklist.

The drug-free subjects received three different doses of D-cycloserine, each for two weeks. The doses administered were 30 mg per day (low), 50 mg per day (medium) and 85 mg per day (high). Ten subjects completed the eight-week study.

A significant improvement in the Clinical Global Impression scale was seen with the medium and high doses. The response rate with the low dose was 30 percent, and for the medium and high doses, it was 40 percent.

High-dose D-cycloserine was also associated with significant improvement on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist social withdrawal subscale. Symptom severity decreased by 60 percent at this dose.

Given these findings, the researchers conclude that “further controlled studies of D-cycloserine in autism appear warranted.”

SOURCE: American Journal of Psychiatry, November 2004.