Effects of risperidone on aberrant behavior of persons with developmental disabilities: I. A double-blind crossover study using multiple measures.

Abstract

The efficacy of the atypical antipsychotic risperidone was evaluated in the treatment of aberrant behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury) in 20 individuals with developmental disabilities. A double-blind, crossover design was used to compare risperidone with placebo in a 22-week trial with a 6-month follow-up phase. Based on a 50% reduction in mean Aberrant Behavior Checklist--Community total scores, 50% of the participants were identified as responders. Naturalistic observations of a subset of five individuals showed that for 4 out of 5 participants, risperidone was effective in reducing aberrant behavior. Side effects included weight gain (84% of participants) and sedation (40% of participants). The advantages of conducting a comprehensive analysis of the effects of medication on aberrant behavior are discussed.

• Authors: J R Zarcone, J A Hellings, K Crandall, R M Reese, J Marquis, K Fleming, R Shores, D Williams, S R Schroeder
• Journal: American journal of mental retardation : AJMR (Am J Ment Retard) Vol. 106 Issue 6 Pg. 525-38 (Nov 2001) ISSN: 0895-8017 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11708938 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Risperidone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aggression (drug effects)
• Child
• Cross-Over Studies
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Intellectual Disability (diagnosis, drug therapy, psychology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Risperidone (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Self-Injurious Behavior (diagnosis, drug therapy, psychology)
• Treatment Outcome