Trials Shows Risperidone’s Efficacy against Childhood Onset Mania
Risperidone superior to lithium against mania
For the trial, the participants are given lithium, divalproex sodium or Risperidone twice daily. Then their outcome was measured using Clinical Global Impression for Bipolar Illness Improvement – Mania scale.
During the course of the trial, 24.7% of the participants discontinued treatment. Both Risperidone and divalproex sodium group got good response rate. But the rate for discontinuance is higher in the lithium group and divalproex sodium. Outcomes were similar in both younger and older children, those with or without psychosis and for those who are and not on stimulant medications.
The trial shows that Risperidone shows good response rate and low risk of discontinuance among participants of the study. But nevertheless, unexpected side effects are still profound among the participants. Though Risperidone showed greatest efficacy, it also showed more side effects compared to lithium and divalproex sodium. Weight gain is the most common complaint, followed by increased serum LDL cholesterol levels.
It is proven by previous research studies that early-childhood obesity is linked to early-adulthood onset diabetes. According to the researchers, their study is one of the largest and the most rigorous in investigating effective drugs against childhood mania.
The results of the study is now available on the January 2012 online edition of the journal Archives of General Psychiatry. The study was supported by grants from National Institute of Mental Health and various universities and mental health research groups.
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Filed under Bipolar Disorder, Mental Illness by on Feb 9th, 2012. Comment.
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Comments on Trials Shows Risperidone’s Efficacy against Childhood Onset Mania
This reporting is biased and disgraceful. Why not put the side effects first and the potential harm for longer-term use? Why not link adverse long-term use with adults for which there is much evidence. Why would doctors and nurse practitioners with even a modicum of ethical sense continue to espouse potentially harmful treatments for the children and adolescent with whom they work?