Are the parents of mentally distrubed children and adolescents also disturbed?

Abstract

The long-term safety and efficacy of oral risperidone were assessed in children aged 5-12 years with subaverage IQ and disruptive behavior disorders, including conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder or disruptive behavior not otherwise specified,, and comorbid ADHD. After completion of at least 2 weeks of a double-blind placebo-controlled study, 77 patients entered a 48-week open-label trial. The mean modal dose of risperidone was 1.5 mg/day (range 0.43Smg). Somnolence, weight increase, headache, and rhinitis were the most common AEs. The mean prolactin values rose within the fnst months of open-label and then decreased. No serious AEs were reported. Two discontinuations due to AEs (headache and moderate dyspneabeadache) occurred. Some EPS was reported in 20/77 children. Mean decreases from double-blind baseline scores on the Conduct Problem subscale of the N-CBRF were statistically significant. Similar effects were seen on the secondary efficacy scales. It is concluded that risperidone effectively and safely improves and maintains improvement in disruptive behavior disorders.