RISPERIDONE IN ADULTS WITH AUTISM OR PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER

Preliminary evidence is presented for the possible clinical value of r isperidone in the treatment of 3 adults with autistic disorder or perv asive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, Two males (ages 20 and 31 years) with autistic disorder and one female (age 44 years) with pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified showed s ignificant improvement in social relatedness, repetitive thoughts and behavior, and impulsive aggression with risperidone treatment (2-8 mg daily), Clinical improvement has been maintained for a minimum of 1 ye ar in all 3 cases, These findings are consistent with previous evidenc e suggesting that serotonin and dopamine neurotransmission may be rele vant to the treatment and possibly the pathophysiology of some symptom s of pervasive developmental disorders.