Concern as proportion of children in England on antipsychotics doubles

Antipsychotics are used to treat mental illness such as schizophrenia in adults – but are also being prescribed for children, including some who are autistic. Photograph: Sally Anscombe/Getty Images

The proportion of children and young people prescribed antipsychotics in England has nearly doubled in just two decades, prompting concern among some experts.

The powerful drugs are often used to treat major mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, in adults. They can be associated with serious side effects such as sexual dysfunction, infertility, and weight gain leading to diabetes.