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Risperidone for aggression and self-injurious behavior in adults with mental retardation
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|July 10, 1998
Summary
Risperidone effectively reduced aggression and self-injury in adults with moderate to profound intellectual disability. Side effects included sedation and restlessness, but the medication showed potential for managing challenging behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Risperidone is an effective antipsychotic for schizophrenia with a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms.
- Preliminary evidence suggests risperidone may help manage aggression and self-injury in individuals with intellectual disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the use of risperidone in adult patients with moderate to profound intellectual disability.
- To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of risperidone in this population.
Main Methods:
- Case series describing the administration of risperidone to eight adult patients.
- Assessment of behavioral changes and side effects.
Main Results:
- Risperidone treatment was associated with a significant reduction in aggression and self-injurious behaviors.
- The primary side effects observed were sedation and restlessness.
Conclusions:
- Risperidone may be a useful treatment option for aggression and self-injury in adults with moderate to profound intellectual disability.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and establish optimal dosing and long-term safety.
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