Loading...
Background In October 2006, the FDA approved the atypical antipsychotic risperidone for symptomatic treatment of irritability (aggression, self-injury, and temper tantrums) in children and adolescents with autism. Risperidone is the first drug approved for treatment of behavioral disturbances in autistic children. Other second-generation, atypical antipsychotics include clozapine, olanzapine, and quetiapine, but only risperidone has been approved for children and youth with autism (see Journal Watch Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine July 12 2006).
Clinical Trials: Two 8-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trials involving 156 children and adolescents (age range, 5–12 years) established the benefit of risperidone for behaviors associated w…