August 1, 2002
Risperidone in Children with Autism and Serious Behavioral Problems
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Serious behavioral problems in children with autism are common and difficult to manage. Atypical antipsychotic medications are effective in treating adults with schizophrenia and have fewer side effects than traditional antipsychotic medications. This randomized trial examined whether risperidone improved behavior in children between the ages of 5 and 17 years who had autistic disorder with severe tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior. At eight weeks, 69 percent of the children treated with risperidone had substantial improvement in behavior, as compared with 12 percent of those who received placebo. Fatigue, drowsiness, tremor, drooling, and increased appetite were mild but were more common among children taking risperidone.
This eight-week study suggests that atypical antipsychotic medications improve moderate-to-severe behavioral problems in children with autism. The long-term risks and benefits of treatment with risperidone in children with autistic disorder are not yet known.
