Risperidone in children with disruptive behavior disorders and subaverage intelligence: A 1-year, open-label study of 504 patients

Jan Croonenberghs, Joerg M. Fegert, Robert L. Findling, Goedele De Smedt, Stefan Van Dongen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

107 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of risperidone for severe disruptive behaviors in children. Method: A multisite, 1-year, open-label study of patients aged 5 to 14 years with disruptive behaviors and subaverage intelligence was conducted. Results: Seventy-three percent of the 504 patients enrolled completed the study. The mean ± SE dose of risperidone was 1.6 ± 0.0 mg/day. The most common adverse events were somnolence (30%), rhinitis (27%), and headache (22%). The incidence of movement disorders was low, and mean Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale scores decreased during risperidone treatment. No clinically significant changes in mean laboratory values were noted, except for a transient increase in serum prolactin levels. Scores on the Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form Conduct Problem Scale improved significantly as early as week 1, and improvement was maintained throughout the trial (p < .001 at each time point). Significant improvements were noted on positive social behavior and other Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form subscales, Aberrant Behavior Checklist, Clinical Global Impressions scale, and tests of patients' cognitive function (each p < .001). Conclusions: Risperidone was well tolerated and effective in the long-term treatment of disruptive behavior disorders in children with subaverage intelligence.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)64-72
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Volume44
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Child and youth psychopharmacology
  • Disruptive behavior disorder
  • Risperidone

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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