Chromium for Asperger's Syndrome?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr McLeod,

My son has Asperger's Syndrome, and his most troublesome symptoms are disordered sleep patterns, depression and anxiety, particularly anxiety. He is underweight, because often he is so anxious he feels nauseous, and doesn't want to eat. He sees a psychologist and talks about the issues that make him anxious and depressed, but talking is not enough and he needs more help. I read somewhere that chromium can help with sleep problems because of its effect on tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin, and also that it can help stressed adrenal glands. Do you think he should try chromium for these reasons, even though he is not overweight? He is reluctant to try antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication because he is frightened of side effects, and fears they might sedate him so much he loses his creativity (he is an artist).

Thank you,
E

ANSWER:
Before making any decision, I suggest you consult your son's physician and run your questions by him or her.

I did have one patient who had a mild case of Asperger's Syndrome: his anxiety and depression did seem to benefit from taking chromium picolinate. I doubt, however, that it helped his underlying Asperger's Syndrome. Like your son, he was thin, very brightand creative. He, too, refused to take antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications for fear they would dull his thinking.

You must not view this one case I am citing as anything other than anecdotal. Moreover, the use of chromium for Asperger's has not been evaluated by the FDA. Chromium is, however, very safe, so that the potential benefits might far outweight any risk.

If you decide to give your son chromium, please let me know the results.

Thank you
Malcolm McLeod, MD