The use of antipsychotics in kids has skyrocketed in the last decade or so, with a disproportionate number of prescriptions written for poor and minority children, some as young as two. In this investigation, Consumer Reports finds the increase comes not because of an epidemic of schizophrenia or other forms of serious mental illness in children, but because doctors are increasingly prescribing the drugs for behavior problems — a use not approved by the FDA. The report looks at factors fueling this trend, including unethical and illegal marketing by drug companies, and clearly lays out the evidence on what is — and isn’t — known about how well antipsychotics work in children and what the risks may be. Finally, the report provides expert advice for safer use of these powerful medications.
