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[Pharmacological treatment with risperidone in children with behavior disorders]
A Morant1, F Mulas, S Hernández
1Servicio de Neuropediatría; Hospital La Fe, Valencia, 46009, España. med012418@nacom.es
Revista De Neurologia
|October 6, 2001
Summary
Risperidone offers a safe treatment option for children with severe behavior problems, showing good clinical improvement in most patients. This study highlights its effectiveness, particularly in those with mental retardation, with weight gain as the main side effect.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Neuropharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Context:
- Behavioral disorders are common in pediatric neurology clinics.
- Traditional neuroleptics have inconsistent efficacy and adverse effects.
- Alternative treatments are needed for pediatric behavioral issues.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of risperidone in children with severe behavioral problems.
- To assess clinical outcomes and side effects of risperidone treatment.
- To identify patient subgroups that benefit most from risperidone.
Summary:
- This study treated 16 children (7-14 years) with severe behavior disorders, including ADHD, mental retardation, and Tourette's syndrome, using risperidone (0.01-0.05 mg/kg/day).
- Good clinical improvement was observed in 10 patients, with the most significant benefits seen in those with mental retardation.
- The primary side effect was weight gain; no extrapyramidal symptoms were reported, indicating a favorable safety profile.
Impact:
- Risperidone presents a safe and effective pharmacological option for managing challenging pediatric behavioral disorders.
- The findings support the use of risperidone in cases unresponsive to other treatments.
- This research contributes to evidence-based guidelines for treating pediatric behavioral conditions.