An open-label study of risperidone in the improvement of quality of life and treatment of symptoms of violent and self-injurious behaviour in adults with intellectual disability

Background We examined the benefits of risperidone, including quality of life (QoL), in the treatment of violent and self-injurious behaviour in adults with moderate, severe or profound intellectual disability. Methods Twenty-four participants received open-label, oral, flexible-dose risperidone of 0.5-6 mg/day for 12 weeks. Efficacy was measured primarily using the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC) and secondarily using validated measures of depression, autism, QoL and global condition. Safety and tolerability were also assessed. Results Total ABC significantly improved from baseline by week 1. This improvement was maintained throughout the study (final visit, P < 0.001). Secondary efficacy measures were also improved with risperidone, including QoL measures (final visit: home life, P < 0.001; activity, P = 0.002; skills, P = 0.014). Risperidone was generally well tolerated, with no unexpected adverse events. Conclusions In this open-label trial, risperidone was efficacious and well tolerated for managing violent and self-injurious behaviour and improving QoL in adults with moderate, severe or profound intellectual disability.