Clinical Trials Logo

Clinical Trial Summary

This study will examine the effect of valproate, a medication used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder, on aggressive behavior in children and adolescents with autism.


Clinical Trial Description

Autism is a complex biological disorder that generally lasts throughout a person’s life. It starts before age three and causes delays or problems with many different ways in which a person develops or grows. Some people with autism become very aggressive and can hurt others or themselves. This study will test the hypothesis that aggressive autistic adolescents will show a significantly greater response to valproate maintained at blood levels of 75-100 mcg/ml than to placebo. The study will also assess the safety of valproate in autistic adolescents. This represents the first double-blind study of valproate in mentally retarded/developmentally delayed populations.

Participants in this study will undergo DSM-IV evaluation, the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, and baseline blood tests. After baseline screening, all participants will be given a placebo for 1 week. Participants will then be randomized to receive either valproate or placebo for 8 weeks. Dosage adjustment according to blood levels drawn at the end of weeks 2 and 4 will be arranged with parents by a child psychiatrist without breaking the blind. The Aberrant Behavior Check-list-Community (ABC-C) irritability subscale will be the primary measure; the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS), ABC-C hyperactivity subscale, Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) problem severity, Self-Injurious Behavior Questionnaire (SIB-Q), and a valproate side effects checklist will be secondary measures. ;


Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Factorial Assignment, Masking: Double-Blind, Primary Purpose: Treatment


Related Conditions & MeSH terms


NCT number NCT00065884
Study type Interventional
Source Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Contact
Status Recruiting
Phase Phase 3

See also
  Status Clinical Trial Phase
Active, not recruiting NCT05302167 - Molehill Mountain Feasibility Study. N/A
Completed NCT04167839 - Effects of Sensory Diets on Children's Sensory Processing Skills, Psychosocial Skills, and Classroom Engagement N/A
Terminated NCT04049981 - Investigation of Mechanisms of Action in Superpower Glass Phase 1/Phase 2
Active, not recruiting NCT06080087 - Implementation Toolkit to Enhance EBP Among Marginalized Families N/A
Recruiting NCT04107064 - Achieving Steady Work Among Adults With Autism Through Specialized Employment Program N/A
Completed NCT03206996 - Exposure Therapy for Auditory Sensitivity in Autism N/A
Completed NCT01914393 - Pediatric Open-Label Extension Study Phase 3
Completed NCT05588570 - Coaching Children With Anxiety and Autism Through Telehealth N/A
Enrolling by invitation NCT06058104 - Evaluating Efficacy of a Digital Game Therapeutic for Children With Autism N/A
Completed NCT02911194 - a2 Milk for Autism and Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) N/A
Completed NCT02847182 - Cord Blood Infusion for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Phase 2
Completed NCT03002363 - The Effects of Video Modeling of Audiological Testing on Pediatric Patient Compliance Phase 1
Withdrawn NCT02414451 - Trial of Propranolol in Adults and Adolescents With ASD and Predictors of Response N/A
Completed NCT02536365 - Sensory Integration Therapy in Autism: Mechanisms and Effectiveness N/A
Completed NCT02708290 - Mental Imagery Therapy for Autism (MITA) - an Early Intervention Computerized Language Training Program for Children With ASD
Completed NCT02508922 - Trial of Vitamin D3 Supplementation in Paediatric Autism N/A
Completed NCT02720900 - Prebiotic Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders N/A
Recruiting NCT01836562 - A Clinical Trial to Study the Safety and Efficacy of Bone Marrow Derived Autologous Cells for the Treatment of Autism Phase 1/Phase 2
Recruiting NCT02255565 - Dose Response Effects of Quillivant XR in Children With ADHD and Autism: A Pilot Study Phase 4
Completed NCT02154828 - Clinical Evaluation of Integrative Practices Units Infant and Child Care for Unit Children With Typical or Atypical Autism (AUTISM)