Managing disruptive and compulsive behaviors in adult with autistic disorder with gabapentin

Disruptive and compulsive behaviors are a challenge in adults with autistic spectrum disorders. Risperidone and aripiprazole are the only approved medications to treat irritability in children with autistic disorder, but 30% of the patients do not respond to risperidone1 and 50% to aripiprazole. We report a case of a 27-year-old man diagnosed with autistic disorder and moderate mental retardation, successfully treated with gabapentin.