Doctor: anti-psychotic meds increase diabetes risk in kids

Experts are saying children who take anti-psychotic medications are at a high risk of getting diabetes.

Amy and her family live here in Southwest Florida.

Her daughter who is 18 years old was diagnosed with a mental illness a few years ago.

“She has bipolar disorder, and a general anxiety disorder,” said Amy.

Her daughter takes pill after pill, finding the right balance to live a healthy life, but that hasn’t come without struggle.

“Not everyone will succumb to some of the side effects,” said Dr. Cayce Jehaim.

Jehaimi is one of Amy’s daughter’s doctors.

He says while some people can take these powerful medications and see mostly positive results, Amy’s daughter isn’t one of them.

According the Jehaimi, the medication gave Amy’s daughter diabetes, and she’s not the only one.

A study published in the journal of the American Medical Association shows a three-fold increase in the risk of type two diabetes for those using psychotic medications.

More illness means more medication, and it’s been heartbreaking.

“Because it was just mental health before. Now it’s mental health and physical health,” said Amy.

“There’s absolutely a big need for coming up with a new class of medications,” said Jehaimi.

Now, the two of them are asking pharmaceutical companies to go back to the drawing board.

“Critical, critical that hopefully in the next five years that there will be a new class of drugs that can be considered safer,”

“As I saw the transformation of Laura going from a very healthy physical child, to a very unhealthy physical place, I kept thinking this happening to all the kids,” said Amy.

Experts say do not stop taking any medication before taking to your doctor first. If you see any side effects contact them immediately.