A Retrospective Chart Review of Buspirone for the Treatment of Anxiety in Psychiatrically Referred Youth with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Anxiety disorders (ADs) are commonly associated with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HF-ASD) and often worsen with age. Buspirone is a commonly prescribed anxiolytic drug with a favorable tolerability profile that may offer potential benefits in anxiety management for patients with HF-ASD. This study examines inadequately explored tolerability and effectiveness of buspirone in treating ADs comorbid with high-functioning ASD. A retrospective chart review of a 1-year period was conducted in psychiatrically referred population of HF-ASD youth with AD (age 8-17 years) who were treated with buspirone (N = 31). Information on the demographics and treatment history was recorded. Effectiveness was assessed through the Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI) severity (CGI-S) and improvement (CGI-I) scores noted by the treating clinician. A total of 31 patients were prescribed buspirone during the determined period, at a mean dose of 41.61 ± 24.10 mg for an average duration of 272 ± 125 days. Change in the CGI-S mean scores with treatment suggests an overall improvement in the severity of anxiety symptoms (M = 4.9 ± 0.7; M = 2.8 ± 0.87; p