Introduction: Aggression is a symptom seen in multiple disorders. Children with Intellectual disability may exhibit aggression- harm to self, others or property. While Risperidone has been shown to produce significant reductions in aggression in youth, research has shown that mood stabilizers like Valproate can  reduce aggressive symptoms effectively. Few studies are available comparing efficacy of the two drugs – alone or in combination, in treatment of aggression in this population. This study compares efficacy of Risperidone versus Risperidone and Sodium valproate combination in treatment of aggression in children and adolescents with intellectual disability.

Materials and Methods: In this study,30 children and adolescents aged 4-17 years , diagnosed with Intellectual Disability (mild to moderate in severity ) and aggressive behaviour (as evaluated by Modified Overt Aggression Scale) (MOAS), treated with Risperidone were compared with 30 age matched children and adolescents with Intellectual Disability and Aggression ,on a combination of Risperidone and Sodium Valproate. Follow up evaluation of the groups using MOAS was conducted at 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 6 months of treatment. Data was statistically analyzed.

Results: Children and adolescents treated with Risperidone and Sodium Valproate combination showed significantly less verbal aggression and aggression towards property. No significant differences were found in the two groups in terms of Auto aggression and Physical aggression after 6 months. 

Conclusion: A combination of Sodium Valproate and Risperidone was better than Risperidone alone in decreasing verbal and aggression towards property in intellectually disabled children and adolescents.

Keywords: Aggression, Intellectual disability Risperidone Sodium Valproate.

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Aparna Ramakrishnan

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