Asperger's syndrome and its treatment. Is medication necessary?

Asperger's syndrome is a developmental genetic disorder of the right hemisphere with neurological and psychiatric symptoms for which there is no cure.

However, the good news is that people with this condition can lead full lives.

• The life of a person with Asperger's is significantly influenced by learning and education, social interaction and proper communication
• some symptoms can be controlled with medication

Cognitive-behavioural form of treatment

It is clear from previous experience that appropriate education and training has reduced unwanted manifestations in most patients and improved socialisation and communication with the environment.

The treatment is usually administered by a psychiatrist specialising in these disorders.

• The psychiatrist must be able to observe well
• must be able to listen patiently and take an interest in the patient's problem
• the conversation is usually about what the patient is interested in
• the communication must be clear and coherent
• the patient must be given sufficient time to understand what is being said
• empathy helps the psychiatrist to recognise and manage negative emotions and other negative expressions
• educates the patient in social interaction and communication
• helps the patient to integrate more easily into the community

Psychological support and training improves the patient's condition, and the symptoms also diminish with age. Social and communication difficulties usually persist into adulthood.

Pharmacological treatment of some symptoms

Pharmacological treatments are used to combat, for example, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, explosiveness or aggression.

Antidepressants and neuroleptics are mainly used.

Treatment is also aimed at reducing obsessive or repetitive routines, such as behaviour patterns, and improving communication skills and motor clumsiness.