Pharmacotherapy of Pervasive Developmental Disorders
The purpose of this study is to develop a better tolerated and more effective pharmacologic treatment with individuals with Pervasive Developmental Disorder. This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of aripiprazole in the management of the maladaptive behaviors of Pervasive Developmental Disorder. The investigators hypothesize that aripiprazole will be more effective than placebo for reducing aggression, tantrum and self-injurious behavior in children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder.
• Male and female outpatients between the ages of 5 and 17 years and greater than or equal to 15 kg body weight.
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition, Text Revised (DSM-IV-TR) diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD NOS).
• Psychotropic medication-free for at least 2 days prior to screening laboratory tests and electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Significant irritability as determined by a Clinical Global Impression Severity score of greater or equal to 4 (Moderately ill) and a score of equal to or greater than 18 on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist Irritability Subscale.
• Intelligence quotient (IQ) of equal to or greater than 50 based on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), 4th edition; the Leiter International Test of Intelligence-Revised will be used if a child is nonverbal but thought to have an IQ greater than or equal to 50.