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.

OBJECTIVES: The present research aimed to evaluate the effect of adding l-carnitine to risperidone in treating children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

METHODS: 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).

RESULTS: 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.

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