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Long-term risperidone for pervasive developmental disorder: efficacy, tolerability, and discontinuation
A Zuddas1, A Di Martino, P Muglia
1Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Italy. azuddas@unica.it
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
|August 10, 2000
Summary
Risperidone effectively treats behavioral issues in children with autism spectrum disorder long-term. While weight gain occurred, it was manageable, and discontinuing the drug led to symptom relapse.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) present significant behavioral challenges.
- Long-term treatment options for these conditions require careful evaluation of safety and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term safety and efficacy of risperidone in children and adolescents with PDD.
- To investigate the effects of risperidone withdrawal on behavioral symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A 12-month prospective study involving 11 subjects with PDD treated with risperidone.
- Behavioral assessments included CARS, CPRS, CGI, and C-GAS.
- Evaluated safety parameters like weight gain, liver function, and extrapyramidal side effects.
Main Results:
- Risperidone significantly improved behavioral symptoms in 10 out of 11 subjects.
- Sustained efficacy was observed in patients continuing risperidone for 12 months; withdrawal led to relapse.
- Common side effects included weight gain and transient facial dystonia; no significant liver function, blood, or EEG changes were noted.
Conclusions:
- Risperidone demonstrates effectiveness and relative safety for the long-term management of disruptive behaviors in autistic children and adolescents.
- Continued treatment is associated with sustained benefits, while discontinuation may result in symptom recurrence.