Effect of Risperidone on Cognitive Functions in Adolescents With ADHD and Behavioral Disturbances

Introduction: The use of low dose risperidone and other antipsychotic drugs off-label as augmentation treatment for adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Disruptive Behavioral Disorder (DBD) has become widely common worldwide, usually to help control behavioral difficulties. While some argue that agents that block dopaminergic receptors may have a deleterious cognitive effect, others stress their moderating effects, which possibly improve function in all domains, including cognitive functions. Only a few studies have examined this topic, with inconclusive results. Aim of study: To measure the effect of risperidone treatment on various cognitive functions in a population of ADHD diagnosed children and adolescents with normal IQ. Design: The study is an observational prospective open label clinical controlled trial. The investigators will compare the performance in a battery of cognitive tasks using the Penn Web-Based Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (WebCNP) and the IGT, in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, with and without risperidone. Study population: Children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, 8-17 years old, may be eligible for this study. We will recruit subjects who their psychiatrist is considering rispieridone treatment, those who are already treated with risperidone and subjects with only stimulants treatment. All pharmacological treatment is supervised and prescribed to subjects by their personal psychiatrist unrelated to the study. Significance: Better knowledge of the specific cognitive effects of this form of therapy will help us guide both clinical decisions, and recommended monitoring in daily clinical work.