Risperidone-induced alopecia in a child with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Risperidone appears to be effective in associated behavioral problems with ASD. Alopecia can be drug induced and has been associated with several psychotropic medicines. Antipsychotics would seem to act by triggering a premature telogen or resting phase, resulting in hair loss. We report a female patient ASD developing alopecia following risperidone use. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of alopecia induced by risperidone during treatment of self-injurious behaviours in a child female patient with ASD.