Effective Treatment for Sleep Disorders in a Child Using Risperidone and Melatonin
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Nakamura Akihiro
Primary Institution: Child and Parents Support Clinic, Ebina, JPN
Hypothesis
Can the combination of risperidone and high-dose melatonin effectively treat sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders?
Conclusion
The combination of risperidone and high-dose melatonin effectively reduced restlessness and improved sleep disorders, although it may cause reversible breast budding.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient showed improvement in daytime concentration after increasing melatonin dosage.
- Breast budding was reversible upon discontinuation of melatonin.
- Prolactin levels were elevated during treatment but returned to normal after stopping melatonin.
Takeaway
A 10-year-old boy with sleep problems got better after taking two medicines, but one of them made him grow breast tissue, which went away when he stopped taking it.
Methodology
The patient was treated with risperidone and melatonin, with dosages adjusted over time, and monitored for side effects and sleep improvement.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of a control group and reliance on subjective reports from the patient and family.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
A 10-year-old Japanese boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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