Antipsychotics Linked to Metabolic Risks in Kids
A Hong Kong study of 15,219 children found elevated rates of metabolic abnormalities after starting antipsychotic medications.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Children’s Health
Researchers analyzed public healthcare records of 15,219 children aged 6 to 17 in Hong Kong who started antipsychotics, covering 18 years of data beginning in 2005. The findings were published October 28 in JAMA Network Open.
Why it matters
The study points to metabolic side effects appearing soon after children begin antipsychotic treatment, a period when families and clinicians are making ongoing prescribing and monitoring decisions. The results add detail on how quickly these risks emerge in a young population.
In the 497 patients who developed metabolic abnormalities, about 90% had dyslipidemia and about 23% had hyperglycemia. Incidence rate ratios rose from 61.93 in the first week to 7.71 by days 31-90 compared with baseline, though causation is not established by this observational design.
The players
Francisco Tsz Tsun Lai
Lead researcher at the University of Hong Kong who led the study of pediatric antipsychotic use and metabolic outcomes.
JAMA Network Open
An open-access, peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association that carried the study.
The details
The analysis divided observation time into baseline, pre-exposure, first-episode exposure, subsequent exposure, and postexposure periods, tracking the earliest occurrence of hyperglycemia or dyslipidemia, medication treatment, or abnormal laboratory tests. The study population was 59.7% male, with a mean age of 12.9 years at first prescription.
Timeline
2005: Start of the 18-year Hong Kong public healthcare records analysis period.
Days 0-7 after initiation: Dyslipidemia risk peaks at 61.93 times baseline.
Days 8-30 after initiation: Metabolic abnormality incidence rate ratio of 5.60 versus baseline.
Days 31-90 after initiation: Metabolic abnormality incidence rate ratio rises to 7.71.
October 28: Study published online in JAMA Network Open.
Health Landscape
The study adds Hong Kong public-record data to a growing body of observational research on metabolic effects of antipsychotics in young people. It helps clinicians and regulators track how early these risks appear in routine care.
Parents of children prescribed antipsychotics may want to ask prescribers about baseline and follow-up monitoring of blood sugar and cholesterol. The study suggests these checks may be especially relevant in the first weeks and months of treatment.
The takeaway
Metabolic monitoring during the early months of antipsychotic treatment in children may warrant closer attention. Families should discuss regular blood sugar and lipid checks with their child's clinician.
Further reading
For more on children's medical research, see Children's Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medscape.
