The number of British children being given controversial anti-psychotic drugs has increased sharply, according to research.
As many as 3,000 children were administered the unlicensed drugs between 1996 and 2005, despite concerns from experts that they could cause long-term harm and even death.
Doctors gave out twice as many prescriptions for the medication in 2005 as in 1992, even though they are not licensed to be given to children.
The number of prescriptions for children in the 7 to 12 age group trebled, the largest area of expansion, according to findings by Ian Wong, a Professor of Paediatric Medicines Research at the London School of Pharmacy.
In most cases, the drugs have been given to children with behavioural and personality disorders, autism and hyperactivity.
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