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Pervasive Developmental Disorders (pervasive + developmental_disorders)
Selected AbstractsAssessment of Children With Pervasive Developmental DisordersJOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING, Issue 4 2001Kathleen Koenig MSN [source] Prevalence of Pervasive Developmental Disorders in Two Canadian ProvincesJOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 3 2006Hélène Ouellette-Kuntz Abstract, Although it is generally accepted that the proportion of children diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) has increased in the past two decades, there is no consensus on the prevalence of these conditions. The accompanying large rise in demand for services, together with uncertainty regarding the extent to which the observed increases are due to a true change in risk, has made PDDs a major public health concern. As few data exist on the prevalence of PDDs in Canada, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diagnosed PDDs in two Canadian provinces (Manitoba and Prince Edward Island (PEI)) and compare characteristics of diagnosed cases between the two regions. To obtain the estimates, children under the age of 15 years with a PDD diagnosis who lived in either province in 2002 were identified by workers at Children's Special Services, a provincial government program that supports children with special needs in Manitoba, and by the PEI provincial early intervention coordinator (Department of Social Services and Seniors) and special education autism coordinator (Department of Education). The findings show that the prevalence among children 1,14 years of age was 28.4 per 10,000 (95% confidence interval: 26.1,30.8) in Manitoba and 35.2 per 10,000 (95% confidence interval: 28.2,43.4) in PEI. In Manitoba, children of aboriginal identity with PDDs (8.3%) were significantly underrepresented compared with the general population of aboriginal children living off native reserves (15.6%). Sex ratio, sibling risk, and age at initial diagnosis were similar in the two provinces. These findings can serve as a baseline from which to monitor the prevalence of these conditions over time, providing valuable data for researchers, planners, and service providers. [source] Pervasive developmental disorders in individuals with cerebral palsyDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 4 2009AYSE KILINCASLAN MD The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence and associated factors of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), including autistic disorder and PDD not otherwise specified (NOS), in a clinical sample of 126 children and adolescents (75 males, 51 females; age range 4,18y, mean 8y 8mo, SD 3y 8mo) with tetraplegic, hemiplegic, diplegic, dyskinetic, or mixed types of cerebral palsy (CP); 28% could not crawl or walk even with support, 29% could move with support, and 43% walked independently. Participants were examined for PDD in two stages. In the first stage, probable participants were determined by direct observation, Autism Behavior Checklist score, and medical reports. In the second stage, those with ,probable' symptoms underwent psychiatric examination and their autistic symptoms were scored on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The final diagnosis of autistic disorder or PDD-NOS was given according to DSM-IV criteria. Fourteen (11%) and five (4%) of the participants met the criteria for autistic disorder and PDD-NOS respectively. Children with CP and PDD differed from those without PDD in terms of type of CP (p=0.02), presence of epilepsy (p<0.001), intellectual level (p<0.001), and level of speech (p<0.001). PDD was more common in children with tetraplegic, mixed, and hemiplegic CP, and in children with epilepsy, learning disability,, and low level of speech. The findings corroborate the notion that CP is a complex disorder, often associated with additional impairments. PDD is not rare in CP and should be considered in patients with comorbid conditions such as epilepsy, learning disability, and language delay and in the presence of tetraplegic, mixed, and hemiplegic CP types. [source] The Changing Epidemiology of AutismJOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 4 2005Eric Fombonne This article reviews epidemiological studies of autism and related disorders. Study designs and sample characteristics are summarized. Currently, conservative prevalence estimates are: 13/10000 for autistic disorder, 21/10000 for pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified, 2.6/10000 for Asperger disorder, and 2/100000 for childhood disintegrative disorder. Newer surveys suggest that the best estimate for the prevalence of all autistic spectrum disorders is close to 0.6%. A detailed analysis of time trends in rates of pervasive developmental disorders in then provided. It is concluded that most of the increase is accounted for by changes in diagnostic concepts and criteria, and by improved identification. Whether or not there is, in addition to these factors, a true increase in the incidence of the disorder cannot be examined from available data. [source] A neuropsychological assessment of frontal cognitive functions in Prader,Willi syndromeJOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2007J. Jauregi Abstract Background Prader,Willi syndrome (PWS) is associated with a characteristic behavioural phenotype whose main features are, alongside compulsive hyperphagia, deficits in social behaviour: social withdrawal, temper tantrums, perseverative speech and behaviour, mental rigidity, stereotyped behaviour, impulsiveness, etc. Similar symptoms may also be found in autistic spectrum disorders and lesional pathologies of the frontal lobe. In both cases, such symptoms have been related to dysfunctions in frontal cognitive processes such as attention, working memory and executive functions. This study uses standardized neuropsychological instruments to analyse the degree to which these processes are affected in PWS. Methods The sample comprised 16 individuals with a genetically confirmed PWS diagnosis. Subjects' IQ (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale), academic level, laterality and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. Attention, memory and executive functions were analysed using standard, widely employed neuropsychological tests. We compared the results of the sample group with the general population. Correlation analyses were carried out with IQ, academic level and BMI. Results In all the neuropsychological measures focusing on attention, executive functions and visuoperceptual organization, the study sample scored significantly lower than the normative reference population. The scores of the tests used for measuring immediate memory were also significantly lower when trials required sequential processing, although not when they required simultaneous processing. In the memorization of a list of words, subjects showed an initial deficit which disappeared with repetition, enabling them to obtain scores similar to the reference population. No significant correlations were found with BMI, and a higher IQ or academic level did not improve scores in the majority of tests. Conclusions The study shows a deficit in elementary frontal cognitive processes in PWS patients. This deficit may be involved in the social behaviour disorders that characterize such patients, as described in other development or frontal syndrome pathologies. However, we cannot affirm that the deficits found are specific to PWS; they could also occur in other causes of intellectual disability. Although in the study sample IQ did not correlate with frontal deficits, further research is needed to establish whether the neuropsychological alterations described form part of a cognitive phenotype for PWS. We believe that our understanding of the social behaviours typical of PWS may be improved by taking into consideration the cognitive functioning models of the prefrontal lobe, particularly those applied to pervasive developmental disorders. [source] Prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders in adult clients with pervasive developmental disordersJOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2006G. Galli-Carminati Abstract Background In clients with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), some authors have noticed the presence of gastrointestinal disorders and behavioural disorders. An augmented prevalence of different histological anomalies has also been reported. The aim of our study is to highlight the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders in this adult with PDD sample and to demonstrate the importance of accurate evaluation of gastrointestinal disorders in clients with PDD. Methods The present comparative study involved 118 clients. Our research was motivated by the clinical observation that behavioural disorders sometimes disappeared with administration of anti-gastric acid or anti-ulcerous medications. It focused on two samples of clients with intellectual disability , those with associated PDD and those without. The presence of gastrointestinal disorders was assessed retrospectively on the basis of hospital records. Results The prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders reported in clinical files was 48.8% in clients with PDD, as compared with 8.0% in non-PDD clients (P < 0.00001). Conclusion Gastrointestinal disorders, and especially gastro-oesophageal reflux, if neglected, may contribute to behavioural disorders in PDD clients. Moreover, gastrointestinal disorders may be considered as a feature of PDD. We highlight the fact that somatic disorders may coexist in persons with PDD. [source] Social skills in children with intellectual disabilities with and without autismJOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2005A. De Bildt Abstract Background Social skills were studied in 363 children with mild intellectual disabilities (ID) and 147 with moderate ID with and without autism (age 4 through 18). The objective was to investigate the value of the Children's Social Behaviour Questionnaire (CSBQ), as a measure of subtle social skills, added to a measure of basic social skills with the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS), in identifying children with ID with or without autism. Method Children with mild and moderate ID, with and without autistic symptomatology were compared on basic social skills, measured with the Communication and Socialization domains of the VABS, and subtle social skills, measured with the CSBQ. Results Measuring basic social skills is not sufficient in differentiating between levels of ID. Communicative skills and subtle social skills, that concern overlooking activities or situations and fear of changes in the existing situation, seem to play a far greater role. Additionally, with respect to identifying autistic symptomatology, basic social skills do not contribute, as opposed to communicative skills and the tendency to withdraw from others. Conclusions The results implicate that the CSBQ not only has specific value as a measure of subtle social skills to identify pervasive developmental disorders, but that the instrument also has a specific contribution to differentiating between the two levels of ID. Furthermore, our outcomes imply a slight difference between limitations in subtle social skills as mentioned by the AAMR (American Association on Mental Retardation 2002) and limitations in subtle social skills as seen in milder forms of pervasive developmental disorders. Clinical and theoretical implications will be discussed. [source] Prevalence of Pervasive Developmental Disorders in Two Canadian ProvincesJOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 3 2006Hélène Ouellette-Kuntz Abstract, Although it is generally accepted that the proportion of children diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) has increased in the past two decades, there is no consensus on the prevalence of these conditions. The accompanying large rise in demand for services, together with uncertainty regarding the extent to which the observed increases are due to a true change in risk, has made PDDs a major public health concern. As few data exist on the prevalence of PDDs in Canada, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diagnosed PDDs in two Canadian provinces (Manitoba and Prince Edward Island (PEI)) and compare characteristics of diagnosed cases between the two regions. To obtain the estimates, children under the age of 15 years with a PDD diagnosis who lived in either province in 2002 were identified by workers at Children's Special Services, a provincial government program that supports children with special needs in Manitoba, and by the PEI provincial early intervention coordinator (Department of Social Services and Seniors) and special education autism coordinator (Department of Education). The findings show that the prevalence among children 1,14 years of age was 28.4 per 10,000 (95% confidence interval: 26.1,30.8) in Manitoba and 35.2 per 10,000 (95% confidence interval: 28.2,43.4) in PEI. In Manitoba, children of aboriginal identity with PDDs (8.3%) were significantly underrepresented compared with the general population of aboriginal children living off native reserves (15.6%). Sex ratio, sibling risk, and age at initial diagnosis were similar in the two provinces. These findings can serve as a baseline from which to monitor the prevalence of these conditions over time, providing valuable data for researchers, planners, and service providers. [source] St John's Wort treating patients with autistic disorderPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 11 2009Helmut Niederhofer Abstract Problems of eye contact and expressive language limit the effectiveness of educational and behavioral interventions in patients suffering from pervasive developmental disorders. For that reason, additive psychopharmacological interventions are sometimes needed to improve symptomatology. In our preliminary open trial, three male patients with autistic disorder, diagnosed by ICD-10 criteria, completed an open trial of St John's Wort. Subjects were included in the study if their eye contact and expressive language was inadaequate for their developmental level and if they had not tolerated or responded to other psychopharmacologic treatments (methylphenidate, clonidine or desipramine). Parent and mentor ratings on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, irritability, stereotypy, and inappropriate speech factors improved slightly during treatment with St John's Wort. Clinician ratings (Psychiatric Rating Scale Autism, Anger and Speech Deviance factors; Global Assessment Scale; Clinical Global Impressions efficacy) did not improve significantly. St John's Wort was only modestly effective in the short-term treatment of irritability in some patients with autistic disorder. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Etiologic yield of autistic spectrum disorders: A prospective studyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS, Issue 1 2006Agatino Battaglia Abstract Studies addressing etiologic yield in childhood developmental disabilities have mainly looked at individuals with developmental delay/mental retardation. The few studies addressing the question of etiologic yield in patients with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) had a major drawback, in that the enrolled subjects were diagnosed as having the autistic spectrum disorders based only on history and clinical examination, and/or on unspecified instruments. In addition, only some of these patients underwent a complete laboratory evaluation. To investigate the etiologic yield of PDDs, we undertook a large prospective study on subjects selected according to very strict criteria and diagnosed as having PDD based on the present "gold standard" (ADI-R and ADOS-G), and a clinical diagnosis made by a child psychiatrist. Eighty-five (85) patients with PDD and their first degree relatives participated in this study. These patients were selected from a sample of 236 subjects who had received a clinical diagnosis of PDD at the Stella Maris Institute between March 2002 and 2005. Selection criteria for entering the study were: (1) a diagnosis of PDD (with exclusion of the Rett syndrome) confirmed after the administration of the ADI-R (autism diagnostic interview-revised) and the ADOS-G (autism diagnostic observation schedule-generic). In addition, a clinical diagnosis was made by the child psychiatrist, on the basis of presence or absence of DSM-IV symptoms of autism; (2) chronological age between 4 and 18 years; (3) IQ>30; (4) availability of both biologic parents. Patients, 65/85 (76.5%), had autism, 18/85 (21.2%) had PDD-NOS, and the remaining 2/85 (2.3%) had Asperger syndrome. Ages varied between 4 years 2 months and 12 years 5 months (mean 7.6 years), and there was a marked male preponderance (68/85). All subjects underwent various laboratory studies and neuroimaging. With respect to possible etiologic determination, a detailed history and physical examination in this group of patients with PDD was informative in 10.5% (9/85). HRB karyotype was diagnostic in one, and molecular fragile X studies in one child. Brain MRI was informative in two children (2.3%) with relative macrocrania but no neurological features; and EEG was helpful in one child, identifying a Landau,Kleffner disorder. Audiometry and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) showed a bilateral sensorineural loss in another child. Metabolic evaluation gave normal results in all subjects. The results suggest an evaluation paradigm with reference to etiologic determination for individuals with PDDs that does not presently justify metabolic or neuroimaging on a screening basis. Recurrence risk, treatment implications, and significant and long-lasting emotional relief for the parents suggest that serious consideration be given to clinical genetic examination, genetic testing, EEG study (during wakefulness and sleep), and audiometry, despite a relatively low yield. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Differentiation between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and pervasive developmental disorders with hyperactivity on objective activity levels using actigraphsPSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 3 2009Noa Tsujii md Aims:, To clarify differences in objective activity levels between children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and those with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and hyperactivity. Method:, Eighteen boys with combined type ADHD, 10 boys with PDD with hyperactivity, and 18 control boys wore actigraphs for 1 week while attending elementary school. In addition to the average activity level, the standard deviation in the activity levels were compared for two continuous situations: (i) in-seat classes, in which the participants were expected to sit in their own seats and learn quietly; and (ii) free recess periods following the in-seat classes. Results:, All the groups were affected by the situational shift, the average activity level of each the groups was higher and the standard deviation was smaller than those during the in-seat classes. The boys with ADHD exhibited a still smaller standard deviation than the controls and the boys with PDD and hyperactivity during the free recess period; no difference between the controls and the boys with PDD was seen. The boys with PDD exhibited a significantly lower average activity level than the other groups. No differences among the groups in the average activity levels and standard deviation were seen during the in-seat classes. Conclusions:, The observed objective activity levels in each group reflect the degree to which the boys are able to tolerate changes in situations. Objective measurement of activity levels may be useful to differentiate hyperactivity in children with ADHD from that in children without ADHD. [source] Emotional distress and its correlates among parents of children with pervasive developmental disordersPSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 6 2007ATSUROU YAMADA md Abstract A number of studies have reported that parents of autistic children face higher levels of stress, but few studies examined the stress associated with the home care of children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) other than autistic disorder. The aims of the present study were therefore to (i) evaluate the emotional stress level of parents caring for their children with PDD; and (ii) explore the correlates of their emotional stress. Participants were 147 families (147 mothers and 122 fathers) of 158 children with PDD (42 with autistic disorder, 35 with Asperger's disorder and 81 with PDD not otherwise specified). K6 was used to measure the stress level of the parents. Marital relationships and personality were assessed with the Intimate Bond Measure and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, respectively. The parents also rated the characteristics of their children with PDD through the Pervasive Developmental Disorder,Autism Society Japan Rating Scale (PARS). The mean K6 score of the mothers was significantly higher than that of the women in the general population in Japan. Stepwise multiple regression indicated that the emotional stress of the mothers was correlated with the personality traits of Neuroticism and Agreeableness, perceived Control by the husband, and the children's PARS score. Clinicians can deliver better service by paying appropriate attention to the emotional distress of mothers of children with not only autistic disorder but also other PDD. [source] Moral judgment in high-functioning pervasive developmental disordersPSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 4 2007TOSHINOBU TAKEDA md Abstract Individuals with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) are characterized by deficits in socialization. To date, moral judgment, which may have a considerable influence on socialization, has not been fully investigated in high-functioning PDD (HFPDD), particularly from a viewpoint of practical adjustment with peers. Human External Action and its internal Reasoning Type (HEART), a standardized test for evaluating moral judgment in school children developed in Japan, was used to compare various aspects of moral judgment between 23 students with HFPDD (6,14 years old) and 23 students with typical development matched for age, intelligence, and socioeconomic status. Students with HFPDD scored significantly lower on Internal Moral Reasoning than control students. As for the level of Internal Moral Reasoning, while both groups reached a conventional (third) level in almost all items, fewer students with HFPDD achieved an autonomous (fourth) level and more students with HFPDD remained at a heteronomous (second) level than did control students. In the HFPDD group there were significant positive correlations between some items of Internal Moral Reasoning and verbal ability-related items of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III. A comparatively lower score in students with HFPDD may relate to difficulty in socialization. [source] Catatonia in childhood and adolescencePSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 2 2003Ken Takaoka Abstract Child and adolescent catatonia has been poorly investigated. A literature review was undertaken to clarify phenomenology, diagnosis, etiology, and treatment as well as ethical problems of catatonia in childhood and adolescence. Although there are no accepted standardized criteria for catatonia in childhood and adolescence, catatonic features described by child psychiatrists are similar to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn; DSM-IV) criteria for catatonia. With respect to etiology, the motor and behavioral symptoms that are part of catatonia bear some similarities with those seen in autism. Several case reports suggest an association between catatonia and general medical conditions. Certain drugs abused by youngsters as well as prescribed medicine can induce catatonia. Regarding catatonic cases originally diagnosed as schizophrenia, it is unclear whether all of these cases should be identified as schizophrenia or whether some of them are pervasive developmental disorders that develop psychic features in adolescence. Environmental changes preceding the onset of catatonia in patients with mood disorder play a possibly important role. Examples that suggest stress-induced catatonia, although rare, also exist. A few patients exhibit features of malignant catatonia, some without taking neuroleptics and others having taken them. Benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy are considered to be effective treatments for catatonic youngsters. [source] Audiovisual speech integration in pervasive developmental disorder: evidence from event-related potentialsTHE JOURNAL OF CHILD PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY AND ALLIED DISCIPLINES, Issue 9 2008Maurice J.C.M. Magnée Background:, Integration of information from multiple sensory sources is an important prerequisite for successful social behavior, especially during face-to-face conversation. It has been suggested that communicative impairments among individuals with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) might be caused by an inability to integrate synchronously presented visual and auditory cues. Method:, We investigated audiovisual integration of speech stimuli among a group of high-functioning adult PDD individuals and age- and IQ-matched controls using electroencephalography, measuring both early pre-phonological, as well as late phonologically driven integration. Results:, Pre-phonological AV interactions are intact, while AV interactions corresponding to more complex phonological processes are impaired in individuals with PDD. Conclusions:, The present findings argue for a pattern of impairments on tasks related to complex audiovisual integration combined with relative sparing of low-level integrational abilities. This combination may very well contribute to the communicative disabilities which are typical for the disorder. [source] Restricted and repetitive behaviors in toddlers and preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders based on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS),AUTISM RESEARCH, Issue 4 2010So Hyun Kim Abstract Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) observed during the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule [ADOS: Lord et al., 2000] were examined in a longitudinal data set of 455 toddlers and preschoolers (age 8,56 months) with clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD; autism, n=121 and pervasive developmental disorders,not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), n=71), a nonspectrum disorder (NS; n=90), or typical development (TD; n=173). Even in the relatively brief semi-structured observations, GEE analyses of the severity and prevalence of RRBs differentiated children with ASD from those with NS and TD across all ages. RRB total scores on the ADOS were stable over time for children with ASD and NS; however, typically developing preschoolers showed lower RRB scores than typically developing toddlers. Nonverbal IQ (NVIQ) was more strongly related to the prevalence of RRBs in older children with PDD-NOS, NS, and TD than younger children under 2 years and those with autism. Item analyses revealed different relationships between individual items and NVIQ, age, diagnosis, and gender. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for the etiology and treatment of RRBs as well as for the framework of ASD diagnostic criteria in future diagnostic systems. [source] Autism genetics: strategies, challenges, and opportunitiesAUTISM RESEARCH, Issue 1 2008Brian J. O'Roak Abstract Although genes have long been appreciated to play a critical role in determining the risk for pervasive developmental disorders, the specific transcripts contributing to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been quite difficult to characterize. However, recent findings are now providing the first insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these syndromes and have begun to shed light on the allelic architecture of ASD. In this article, we address what is known about the relative contributions of various types of genetic variation to ASD, consider the obstacles facing gene discovery in this complex disorder, and evaluate the common methodologies employed to address these issues, including linkage, molecular and array-based cytogenetics, and association strategies. We review the current literature, highlighting recent findings implicating both rare mutations and common genetic polymorphisms in the etiology of autism. Finally, we describe key advances in genomic technologies that are transforming all areas of human genetics and consider both the opportunities and challenges for autism research posed by these rapid changes. [source] Risperidone in the treatment of disruptive behavioural symptoms in children with autistic and other pervasive developmental disordersCHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2005Richard ReadingArticle first published online: 16 FEB 200 Risperidone in the treatment of disruptive behavioural symptoms in children with autistic and other pervasive developmental disorders . SheaS, TurgayA, CarrollA, SchulzM, OrlikH, SmithI & DunbarF. ( 2004 ) Pediatrics , 114 , e634 , e641 . Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of risperidone for the treatment of disruptive behavioural symptoms in children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Methods In this 8-week, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, risperidone/placebo solution (0.01,0.06 mg/kg/day) was administered to 79 children who were aged 5,12 years and had PDD. Behavioural symptoms were assessed using the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC), Nisonger Child Behaviour Rating Form and Clinical Global Impression-Change. Safety assessments included vital signs, electrocardiogram, extrapyramidal symptoms, adverse events and laboratory tests. Results Subjects who were taking risperidone (mean dosage: 0.04 mg/kg/day; 1.17 mg/day) experienced a significantly greater mean decrease on the irritability subscale of the ABC (primary endpoint) compared with those who were taking placebo. By study endpoint, risperidone-treated subjects exhibited a 64% improvement over baseline in the irritability score almost double that of placebo-treated subjects (31%). Risperidone-treated subjects also exhibited significantly greater decreases on the other four subscales of the ABC; on the conduct problem, insecure/anxious, hyperactive and overly sensitive subscales of the Nisonger Child Behaviour Rating Form (parent version); and on the Visual Analog Scale of the most troublesome symptom. More risperidone-treated subjects (87%) showed global improvement in their condition compared with the placebo group (40%). Somnolence, the most frequently reported adverse event, was noted in 72.5% vs. 7.7% of subjects (risperidone vs. placebo) and seemed manageable with dose/dose-schedule modification. Risperidone-treated subjects experienced statistically significantly greater increases in weight (2.7 vs. 1.0 kg), pulse rate and systolic blood pressure. Extrapyramidal symptoms scores were comparable between groups. Conclusions Risperidone was well-tolerated and efficacious in treating behavioural symptoms associated with PDD in children. [source] Developmental, behavioural and somatic factors in pervasive developmental disorders: preliminary analysisCHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 1 2004P. Whiteley Abstract Objectives To ascertain the frequency of parental reporting of selected variables related to development, behaviour and physiology in subgroups diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) and identify any significant intragroup differences. Design Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of records of patients (n = 512) held on a computerized database with a chronological age between 3 and 11 years resident in the UK/Republic of Ireland and with a formal diagnosis of autism, Asperger syndrome (AS) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods Non-parametric analysis (P > 0.01) of the frequency of specific variables for PDD subgroups reported by parents/primary caregiver. Variables included timing of symptom onset, presence of skills acquired prior to symptom onset, indications of regression and regression events, current language, history of viral infections, history of ear problems, achievement of continence, current skin complaints, current bowel habits and adverse events at parturition. Results Preliminary results showed general agreement with the principle diagnostic differences between the PDD subgroups with patients diagnosed with AS showing an increased frequency of skills acquired before symptom onset (two- to three-word phrase speech, toileting skills) and a decreased frequency of regression in acquired skills when compared with other PDD subgroups. Developmental milestones such as the achievement of bowel and bladder continence were also more frequently reported for the AS group. Infantile feeding problems defined as vomiting, reflux, colic and failure to feed were more frequently reported for the AS group as was a reported history of the bacterial skin infection impetigo. Results are discussed with reference to relationships between behavioural and somatic factors in PDD. [source] | ||||||||||