According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, autism is a developmental disability often first diagnosed in childhood. Several forms of treatment for autism are available, such as psychotherapy and medication management. Risperdal is a common medication prescribed for individuals with autism who are irritable, aggressive, or moody, according to Rispderdal.com.
Irritability
Irritability is a common symptom of autism, reports the DSM-IV-TR. When someone diagnosed with autism is irritable, his ability to communicate, form relationships and respond appropriately to environment is worsened, according to the DSM-IV-TR. These individuals are more likely to throw temper tantrums, according to the National Institutes of Health. Risperdal works by helping calm the individual down, which decreases irritability, according to Risperdal.com.
Aggressiveness
Autistic individuals are typically aggressive toward others and are self-injurious, according to the DSM-IV-TR. Risperdal is considered an atypical antipsychotic agent, which blocks postsynaptic dopamine and serotonin receptors, the National Institutes of Health says. Risperdal also has advantages over traditional antipsychotic medications in the treatment of children with autistic disorder who have serious behavioral disturbances, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Moodiness
Risperdal is also approved to treat bipolar disorder, which is a disorder characterized by mood swings from very happy to depressed, according to Risperdal.com. Therefore, Risperdal is effective in treating moodiness associated with autism, according to the National Institutes of Health.
References
- Risperdal: FAQs About Autistic Disorder
- National Institutes of Health: Risperidone
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders"; American Psychiatric Association, 2000
- Pub Med: Risperidone in Children with Autism and Serious Behavioral Problems
