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Effects of risperidone on cognitive-motor performance and motor movements in chronically medicated children

Michael G Aman1, Jill A Hollway, Sarah Leone

  • 1The Ohio State University, USA.

Research in Developmental Disabilities
|September 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Risperidone improved cognitive-motor skills, reduced disruptive behavior, and decreased tremor in children. However, it also led to increased heart rate and weight, indicating potential side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Neuropharmacology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Risperidone is frequently used for disruptive behavior in children.
  • Its effects on cognitive-motor function and specific movement disorders require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the placebo-controlled effects of risperidone on cognitive-motor processes, dyskinetic movements, and behavior in children with disruptive behavior on maintenance therapy.

Main Methods:

  • A crossover study design involving 16 children (aged 4-14 years) with disruptive behavior.
  • Participants received risperidone and placebo for 2 weeks each, with random assignment to drug order.
  • Measures included cognitive tests, movement assessments (tremor, activity, abnormal movements), and parent behavior ratings.

Main Results:

  • Risperidone demonstrated superiority over placebo in response time and seat movement during a short-term memory task, and in reducing static tremor.
  • No significant differences were found in the Abnormal Involuntary Movement scale between conditions.
  • Risperidone improved specific behavioral aspects, including oversensitivity, conduct problems, and hyperactivity, as rated by parents.

Conclusions:

  • Risperidone shows beneficial effects on cognitive-motor efficiency, activity levels, static tremor, and certain behavioral problems in children with disruptive behavior.
  • Potential side effects such as increased heart rate and weight necessitate careful monitoring during risperidone treatment.

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