Role of risperidone in children with autism spectrum disorder.
OBJECTIVE
To review the clinical trials investigating the efficacy and safety of risperidone in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).


METHODS
Searches of MEDLINE/PubMed (1992-February 2006) were conducted, as well as an extensive manual review of journals, using the key words autism and risperidone.


METHODS
Only double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were included for review.


RESULTS
ASD is the most common of the pervasive developmental disorders. The main characteristics (core symptoms) of autism are impairment in social skills, problems communicating, and stereotypical movements. Behavioral manifestations or maladaptive behaviors include aggression, irritability, hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity, tantrums, and self-injurious behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the data examined, risperidone appears efficacious and safe for treating certain behavioral aspects of autism including irritability, aggression, hyperactivity, and stereotypy. It does not appear to be as effective for the treatment of the core symptoms of autism.
Chavez
Benjamin
B
Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8020, USA. bchavez@rci.rutgers.edu
Chavez-Brown
Mapy
M
Rey
Jose A
JA