Effect of Adding l -Carnitine to Risperidone on Behavioral, Cognitive, Social, and Physical Symptoms in Children and Adolescents With Autism: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

This study looked at whether adding L-carnitine (a natural supplement) to risperidone medication helps children with autism. 50 children were split into two groups - one got L-carnitine plus risperidone, the other got a fake pill plus risperidone. After 8 weeks, children taking L-carnitine showed improvements in behavior problems, social withdrawal, repetitive behaviors, and speech issues compared to those taking the fake pill.

This randomized controlled trial examined whether adding L-carnitine to risperidone therapy improves autism symptoms in 50 children and adolescents with ASD. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either L-carnitine plus risperidone (n=25) or placebo plus risperidone (n=25) for 8 weeks. Outcomes were measured using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. The L-carnitine group showed significant improvements in total ABC scores and several subscales including restlessness, lethargy/social isolation, stereotypic behavior, and inappropriate speech.

Between-group differences were statistically significant for total ABC scores and lethargy/social isolation subscale, suggesting L-carnitine as an adjunctive treatment may provide additional benefits for certain autism symptoms.

L-carnitine may be a useful adjunctive treatment to risperidone for autism symptoms, particularly social withdrawal and behavioral issues. However, larger studies are needed to confirm efficacy and establish optimal dosing protocols before routine clinical implementation.

Small sample size (n=50) limits generalizability. No long-term follow-up data provided. Dosage and administration details not specified in abstract. Unclear if improvements were clinically meaningful beyond statistical significance.

The present research aimed to evaluate the effect of adding l -carnitine to risperidone in treating children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this randomized controlled clinical trial study, 50 ASD children and adolescents were divided into 2 groups: those receiving l -carnitine and risperidone (n = 25) and those receiving placebo and risperidone (n = 25). Treatment continued for 8 weeks, and participants were assessed at the beginning of the study, in the fourth and eighth weeks, by the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). l -Carnitine add-on therapy reduced the scores of total ABC and subscales of restlessness, lethargy and social isolation, stereotypic behavior, and inappropriate speech at weeks 4 and 8. There was a significant difference between the 2 groups in the score of total ABC and subscale of lethargy and social isolation.

According to the present study, adding l -carnitine to risperidone improves ASD symptoms.