Substituting traditional antipsychotics with risperidone for individuals with mental retardation.

The use of risperidone for 10 individuals with mental retardation and mental health disturbances was reported. A case study approach was employed to delineate the course of substitution of more traditional antipsychotic medications with risperidone. At the conclusion of the study, 6 of the 10 individuals had completed the substitution protocol. All participants evidenced improvement or resolution in side effects attributed to previous antipsychotic medication, with no worsening in psychiatric or behavioral status.