Karen Riley, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Project Plan
by Karen Riley, 7/1/1998
There are few controlled studies of treatment of children and adults with Fragile X syndrome. The FRAXA postdoctoral fellowship offers a unique opportunity to improve this situation. Dr. Karen Riley will act as a facilitator for collaborative research efforts with Drs. Loesch and Martin in Australia and with other centers in the US to improve and enhance treatment options for individuals and families affected by Fragile X syndrome.
This project will focus on the primary and secondary benefits of pharmacological interventions. We will study the melatonin profile of children with Fragile X syndrome and will carry out a controlled study of the efficacy of melatonin for sleep disturbances. Secondary benefits of improved sleep will also be explored and identified. These benefits could include decreases in outburst behavior, increased time on task, and improved social interactions. Sensory issues are also of paramount concern for individuals and families affected by Fragile X. Dr. Riley will evaluate the impact of stimulants, clonidine, and serotonin agents on the electrodermal (sweat) responses to visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and vestibular stimuli in collaboration with Dr. Lucy Miller, O.T.R.
The study will also involve the development and organization of neuropsychological protocols to be utilized for controlled studies of a variety of psychopharmacological interventions with children and adults with Fragile X. This team will strive to organize the participation of multiple centers, internationally and in the US, in the controlled trials of psychopharmacological interventions and in the exploration of secondary benefits. Drs. Riley and Hagerman report that they are eager to embark on this journey and are optimistic about the future findings.
Dr. Hagerman and colleagues have published results of their studies of melatonin:
