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 drugs. Antipsychotics would seem to act by triggering a premature telogen or resting phase, resulting in hair loss. Here, 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.