Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined risperidone (RIS) and pivotal response treatment (PRT) on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 34 children diagnosed with ASD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V) (mean age of 12.36 years) were randomly assigned to either of two groups; the first group (n = 17) received combined PRT–RIS while the second group (n = 17) received RIS only. Behavioral problems were evaluated with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), whereas global improvement (GI) was measured with the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI). Assessment of ABC was performed before intervention, after intervention (12 weeks), and following 3 months of the intervention (follow-up). Total ABC scores were seen to decrease in both groups after 3 months, as compared with the scores prior to the interventions. Also, in both groups, mean scores of behavioral problems after the intervention were not significantly different from those prior to the intervention, in all subscales but the inappropriate speech (p < 0.001). However, both groups showed significant differences in mean scores of ABC subscales in both of the post-intervention evaluation stages. It was concluded that the combination of behavioral and drug interventions can further improve behavioral problems, ultimately improving patient’s communication and social skills.
Highlights
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across several situations and by restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities [1]
Risperidone is an antipsychotic and post-synaptic blocker of serotonin and dopamine receptors, and its short-term effect on severe behavioral problems in children with autism has been confirmed in several studies; the most noticeable effects of this drug seem to be in the areas of hyperactivity, aggression and repetitive behaviors [8,9], though, there has been little evidence on effectiveness of this drug on improvement in communication and social functions, language or cognition skills [10]
A total of 36 patients were selected via convenient sampling and assigned randomly and to either of two groups, one receiving combined pivotal response treatment and risperidone (PRT–RIS) treatment and the other receiving RIS alone for 12 weeks
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across several situations and by restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities [1]. The use of drug therapy, including psychostimulants, antipsychotics, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is very common in people with autism. It seems that these drugs generally treat the common symptoms and problems associated with ASD [6]. Risperidone is an antipsychotic and post-synaptic blocker of serotonin and dopamine receptors, and its short-term effect on severe behavioral problems in children with autism has been confirmed in several studies; the most noticeable effects of this drug seem to be in the areas of hyperactivity, aggression and repetitive behaviors [8,9], though, there has been little evidence on effectiveness of this drug on improvement in communication and social functions, language or cognition skills [10]
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