Loading...
In both adults and children, typical neuroleptics are effective for treating aggressive behavior associated with various disorders, but severe side effects can occur. Two randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies were designed to evaluate the atypical antipsychotic risperidone for the treatment of aggressive behaviors in children with autism or with low IQs.
In a study sponsored by the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, 101 autistic children received risperidone or placebo for 8 weeks (mean age, 8 years; mean dosage at endpoint, 1.8 mg/day). Compared with placebo, risperidone was associated with significantly greater improvement on continuous and categorical measures of aggression, hyperactivity, and stereotypy, as well as …