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Evidence summaries

Risperidone for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Risperidone may be beneficial in some features of autism but the evidence is very limited. Level of evidence: "C"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 3 studies with a total of 211 subjects. Analysis was complicated by the heterogeneity in populations (adults and children), the wide range of instruments used to measure outcomes, and the variety in presentation of results. Some evidence of the benefits of risperidone in irritability, repetition and social withdrawal were apparent. Weight gain was the most most prominent adverse effect.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by sparse data and inconsistency.

References

  • Jesner OS, Aref-Adib M, Coren E. Risperidone for autism spectrum disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007 Jan 24;(1):CD005040. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords