Risperidone has shown safety and efficacy for aggressive and destructive behaviors in short-term studies. This longer-duration study includes a broad sample. Forty subjects, aged 8–56 years (mean=22), all with mental retardation and 36 with autism spectrum disorders participated in this 22-week crossover study, with 24 weeks of open maintenance thereafter. Of 40 subjects, 23 (57.5%) responded fully (50% decrease in Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community Irritability subscale score), while 35 subjects (87.5%) showed a 25% decrease. Gender, mood disorder, and antiseizure medications did not alter response. Increased appetite and weight gain were common. Low dose risperidone was effective for aggressive behavior in persons with MR. More long-term studies are needed, incorporating weight control interventions.
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Acknowledgments
The authors extend thanks to Fredric Metzger, Kurt Crandall, Stacey Ward, and Roma Manzoor. This study was supported by National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Grants HD26927, HD02528, and HD23042.
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Hellings, J.A., Zarcone, J.R., Reese, R.M. et al. A Crossover Study of Risperidone in Children, Adolescents and Adults with Mental Retardation. J Autism Dev Disord 36, 401–411 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0078-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0078-1