# Navigating agitation in neurodevelopmental disorders: A comparative study of pharmacotherapies via network meta-analysis in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/research/antipsychotic-agents-for-intellectual-disability-systematic-review/
> **Published:** 2026-11-02T12:23:07-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-11-02T12:23:13-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** This review pooled results from 38 medical studies involving more than 2,500 people, mostly children.

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Importance: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability often experience persistent challenges related to aggressive behaviour and agitation, highlighting the critical need for evidence-based pharmacological interventions among other strategies. Despite previous network meta-analyses (NMAs), the rapidly evolving landscape of treatment options necessitates ongoing and updated assessments. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of various pharmacotherapies in managing agitation in children and adults with ASD or intellectual disabilities (ID). Methods: Systematic review and NMA of double-blind, randomized controlled trials of pharmacotherapies targeting agitation in neurodevelopmental disorders, following PRISMA guidelines, with risk of bias assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Primary outcomes were response (50% reduction in agitation severity) and all-cause treatment discontinuation. Results: Data from 38 eligible trials involving 2503 participants were analysed. Arbaclofen, risperidone plus buspirone, omega-3 fatty acids, risperidone plus palmitoylethanolamide, aripiprazole and risperidone demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing agitation compared to placebo. These treatments were generally well-tolerated, with no significant increase in all-cause dropouts compared to placebo. Conclusions: Several pharmacotherapies were effective and well-tolerated in managing agitation in children and adults with ASD or ID. Ongoing research is needed to keep treatment strategies aligned with the evolving clinical landscape.

 

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### Verification & Medical Governance

- **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD
- **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House).
- **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`).
- **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/).
- **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637).
- **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).