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Risperidone augmentation for treatment-resistant aggression in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a placebo-controlled pilot study.

Armenteros JL, Lewis JE, Davalos M

armenterosmd@bellsouth.net

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of risperidone augmentation for treatment-resistant aggression in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHOD: Twenty-five children (ages 7-12 years) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and significant aggressive behaviors were randomized to risperidone or placebo for 4 weeks for this double-blind study. Subjects were already in treatment with a constant dose of psychostimulant medication. The primary efficacy measure was change from baseline in the Children's Aggression Scale-Parent (CAS-P) and -Teacher (CAS-T) total scores. RESULTS: The mean risperidone dose at endpoint was 1.08 mg/day. For the CAS-P total score, a significant difference was found (chi(1)(2) = 4.30, p < .05) with 100% of risperidone subjects improving by more than 30% from baseline to endpoint, whereas only 77% of the placebo group reported a similar response. No differences were found on the CAS-T total score. For the CAS-P and CAS-T, no significant interaction was found between treatment group and time. Rates of adverse events did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Risperidone treatment appears to be well tolerated and modestly effective when used in combination with psychostimulants for treatment-resistant aggression in children with ADHD.

Published 23 April 2007 in J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry, 46(5): 558-65.
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