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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Could Cause Sudden Change In Behavior In Autistic Person?

I have a 44 yr old nephew with autism. He takes anti seizure medications and has for years. He does not talk, is quiet and has never caused any trouble. In the last week, he walked away from home, has been talkative and destructive. Why the sudden change. He went today for a brain scan and nothing was found. He also had a nuclear med. test but not results yet.
Wed, 30 Jul 2014
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello,
The patient most likely developed mood disorder during which it is common for them to move out, become aggressive, violent, demanding, difficult to control and it seems that the person has changed completely by someone else.

It is not uncommon presentation in patients with autism. However, there is no need to panic. You may take him to his psyhiatrist and start the required antipsychotics. Drugs like quetiapine or haloperidol or olanzapine can be give and there will be a definite improvement in his irrational behaviour.
Till then please take care that he dosent harm himself or others near him.
Donot become voilent or loose your temper on him as he is doing all this due to another psychiatric problem.

Hope the reply is useful.
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Neuropsychiatry
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What Could Cause Sudden Change In Behavior In Autistic Person?

Hello, The patient most likely developed mood disorder during which it is common for them to move out, become aggressive, violent, demanding, difficult to control and it seems that the person has changed completely by someone else. It is not uncommon presentation in patients with autism. However, there is no need to panic. You may take him to his psyhiatrist and start the required antipsychotics. Drugs like quetiapine or haloperidol or olanzapine can be give and there will be a definite improvement in his irrational behaviour. Till then please take care that he dosent harm himself or others near him. Donot become voilent or loose your temper on him as he is doing all this due to another psychiatric problem. Hope the reply is useful. Dr. Manisha Gopal MD Neuropsychiatry