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Use of risperidone in pervasive developmental disorders: a case series
1Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, London Health Sciences Centre, University of Western Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Risperidone effectively treated pervasive developmental disorders in children and adolescents, improving functionality and reducing disruptive behaviors. This atypical antipsychotic showed minimal side effects, warranting further clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Neuropharmacology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) share symptom similarities with schizophrenia.
- Atypical antipsychotics like risperidone target both positive and negative symptoms.
- Investigating risperidone's efficacy in PDDs is crucial due to limited treatment options.
Observation:
- 14 children and adolescents (ages 9-17) with PDD received risperidone.
- Previous treatments with multiple psychotropic drugs were often ineffective.
- Dosages ranged from 0.75 to 1.5 mg daily, with gradual titration.
Findings:
- 13 of 14 youths showed improved functionality (Children's Global Assessment Scale).
- Significant reductions in disruptive behaviors, agitation, and anxiety were observed.
- Improvements noted in social awareness, obsessional behaviors, and attention.
- Minimal side effects, primarily initial sedation; no extrapyramidal symptoms.
Implications:
- Risperidone demonstrates potential as an effective treatment for PDD symptoms.
- Monotherapy with risperidone was feasible in 10 of 14 patients.
- Findings support the need for a randomized controlled trial to confirm efficacy.