Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Risperidone in the Management of Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62497/irjgp.262Keywords:
autism, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, risperidone, children, behavioral symptoms, efficacy, safety, irritabilityAbstract
Background: Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic commonly used to manage severe behavioral symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of risperidone in children with ASD and associated behavioral symptoms.
Methodology: A prospective, hospital-based clinical study was conducted from March 2024 to February 2025 at four tertiary-care teaching hospitals in Pakistan: Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad; DHQ Teaching Hospital, Dera Ismail Khan; Mufti Mehmood Memorial Teaching Hospital, Dera Ismail Khan; and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. The study included 120 children aged 5–16 years who had been diagnosed with ASD and presented with associated behavioral symptoms. Participants received risperidone and were assessed using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Treatment-related adverse effects, body weight, and BMI were also monitored. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. Continuous variables were analyzed using paired-samples t-test and repeated-measures ANOVA, while categorical variables were assessed using the Chi-square test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Among 120 participants, 111 (92.50%) completed 12 weeks, of whom 81 (72.97%) achieved a clinically meaningful response. Marked response occurred in 34 (30.63%) and moderate response in 47 (42.34%) participants. Adverse effects were reported in 61 (50.83%), most commonly increased appetite in 38 (31.67%), weight gain in 34 (28.33%), and sedation in 27 (22.50%).
Conclusion: Risperidone demonstrated beneficial behavioral effects but requires careful monitoring for adverse effects.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Abdul Haseeb, Sara Malik, Usama Narejo, Kashif Khan, Nizam Ali (Author)
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