They say the drug appears to be safe and, while the study is still ongoing, early studies have indicated it is effective in reducing levels of aggression and self-injury. Researchers at the University of Kansas Medical Center are also looking for participants for similar study to treat aggression in people who are mentally retarded and may be autistic as well. This study involves the drug Risperidone. It is an anti-psychotic medication most commonly used to treat schizophrenia. Risperidone is a dopamine-blocking drug.
Dopamine is a chemical believed to be involved in aggression and self-injury.
Researchers say it appears the drug may also improve communication and social-relatedness, which are two common handicaps in people with autism and other developmental disorders. Participants in this study must have mental retardation and may also have autism. They must be between the ages of six and 65 and come in for testing twice a month over the course of the year-long study. Jennifer Zarcone, Ph.D. Study Coordinator Dept. of Psychiatry University of Kansas Medical Center 3901 Rainbow Blvd. Copyright 2000 by TheCarolinaChannel.