Research summaries for autism therapy: Risperdal (risperidone)

definition of Risperdal (risperidone): Available as tablets, oral solution, or orally-disintegrating tablets, this psychotropic medication is used to treat: 1) aggression, irritability, and severe behavior problems in autistic children 5-16 years old; 2) bipolar mania in individuals 10 years old and up; and 3) schizophrenia in adolescents and adults. Side effects might include weight gain, increased appetite, and sleepy or groggy feelings. Risperdal Consta, an injectable form of risperidone, is usually used to treat schizophrenia in adults.
|

Conspicuous by their Absence: Studies Comparing and Combining Risperidone and Applied Behavior Analysis to Reduce Challenging Behavior in Children with Autism, Summarized Sep 28, 2010

It may be helpful to combine risperidone with applied behavior analysis (ABA) in order to improve the behavior of children with autism.

The effect of risperidone can vary a lot from child to child. This article talks about risperidone and ABA as therapies for autism and explores which one works better. Risperidone has been studied as a therapy for children with autism and data show it is able to decrease destructive behavior. Other studies have shown that risperidone does not help with destructive behavior in certain children. None of the studies have compared risperidone to ABA therapy or combined risperidone with ABA therapy.

Read more...

Does Risperidone Improve Hyperacusia in Children with Autism?, Summarized Mar 9, 2010

Risperidone may help children with autism overcome sensitivity to loud noises.

This case study described the use of risperidone to treat a five and a half year old girl with autism who was frightened by loud sounds (hyperacusia). While many children with autism do not process sound the way other children do, only some children with autism cry and avoid loud sounds. Children with hyperacusia may also cover their ears when they hear loud sounds such as a vacuum cleaner, car, or washing machine. The doctor reports that this child’s hyperacusia improved when she took risperidone. This appears to be the only report that has described this effect of risperidone.

Read more...

The Pharmacologic Treatment of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity in Autism, Summarized Oct 14, 2009

Some medications may improve attention spans and decrease hyperactivity in people with autism.

The author describes clinical trials of drug therapies in autism. Methylphenidate and atomoxetine are both used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These drugs may also help treat ADHD-like symptoms in people with autism. In autism, methylphenidate may work better for hyperactivity, and atomoxetine may work better for attention deficits. Other drug therapies may be helpful for ADHD-like symptoms in autism. Haloperidol, risperidone, clonidine, guanfacine, amntadine, and naltrexone have been researched. All of these drugs have shown improved behaviors in at least one study. However, other studies showed little or no effect of these drugs in autism.

Read more...

Weight Gain and Metabolic Abnormalities during Extended Risperidone Treatment in Children and Adolescents, Summarized Aug 18, 2009

Risperidone therapy may result in weight gain and metabolism changes in typical children and adolescents and those with pervasive developmental disorder. This study measured weight and body mass index (BMI) for 99 children and adolescents (7-17 years old). Metabolism tests (measures of how the body uses food and energy) were also performed. The patients had been taking risperidone for nearly 3 years.... Read more...

Showing 1-4 of 63 results

Synonyms for Risperdal (risperidone) include: Risperdal, Risperdal Consta, Risperdal®, Risperdol, risperidone
|