Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Atypical antipsychotic agents are widely used psychopharmacological interventions for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Among the atypical antipsychotic agents, risperidone has demonstrated considerable benefits in reducing several behavioral symptoms associated with ASDs. This meta-analysis examined research regarding the effectiveness of risperidone use among children with ASD using articles published since the year 2000.
METHODS
The database for the analyses comprised 22 studies including 16 open-label and six placebo-controlled studies. Based on the quality, sample size, and study design of studies prior to 2000, the database was then restricted to articles published after the year 2000. Effect sizes were calculated for each reported measure within a study to calculate an average effect size per study.
RESULTS
The mean effect size for the database was 1.047 and the sample weighted mean effect size was 1.108, with a variance of 0.18.
CONCLUSIONS
Outcome measures demonstrated mean improvement in problematic behaviors equaling one standard deviation, and thus current evidence supports the effectiveness of risperidone in managing behavioral problems and symptoms for children with ASD. Although Risperdal has several adverse effects, most are manageable or extremely rare. An exception is rapid weight gain, which is common and can create significant health problems. Overall, for most children with autism and irritable and aggressive behavior, risperidone is an effective psychopharmacological treatment.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Sharma A, Shaw SR

Institution

Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Source

Journal of pediatric health care : official publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners 26:4 pg 291-9

MeSH

Adolescent
Antipsychotic Agents
Child
Child Behavior Disorders
Child Development Disorders, Pervasive
Child, Preschool
Evidence-Based Medicine
Female
Humans
Male
Risperidone
Treatment Outcome

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Meta-Analysis

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22726714