Long-Term Effects of Risperidone in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Placebo Discontinuation Study

The short-term benefit of risperidone in ameliorating severe disruptive behavior in pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorders is well established; however, only one placebo-controlled, long-term study of efficacy is available. Thirty-six children with an autism spectrum disorder (5-17 years...

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Veröffentlicht in:Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2005-11, Vol.44 (11), p.1137-1144
Hauptverfasser: Troost, Pieter W., Lahuis, Bertine E., Steenhuis, Mark-Peter, Ketelaars, Cees E.J., Buitelaar, Jan K., van Engeland, Herman, Scahill, Lawrence, Minderaa, Ruud B., Hoekstra, Pieter J.
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Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:The short-term benefit of risperidone in ameliorating severe disruptive behavior in pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorders is well established; however, only one placebo-controlled, long-term study of efficacy is available. Thirty-six children with an autism spectrum disorder (5-17 years old) accompanied by severe tantrums, aggression, or self-injurious behavior, started 8-week open-label treatment with risperidone. Responders (n = 26) continued treatment for another 16 weeks, followed by a double-blind discontinuation (n = 24; two patients discontinued treatment because of weight gain) consisting of either 3 weeks of taper and 5 weeks of placebo only or continuing use of risperidone. Relapse was defined as a significant deterioration of symptoms based on clinical judgment and a parent questionnaire. Risperidone was superior to placebo in preventing relapse: this occurred in 3 of 12 patients continuing on risperidone versus 8 of 12 who switched to placebo (p = .049). Weight gain, increased appetite, anxiety, and fatigue were the most frequently reported side effects. This study indicates the effectiveness of risperidone during a period of several months, reducing disruptive behavior in about half of the children with autism spectrum disorders. The results provide a rationale for the continuing use of risperidone beyond 6 months, although considerable weight gain can limit the use of this agent.
ISSN:0890-8567
1527-5418
DOI:10.1097/01.chi.0000177055.11229.76