Study produces worrying finding: child psychologist

A PROMINENT child psychologist says he’s surprised antipsychotics are being fed to troubled boys and teens.

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg said the medication is most often used to treat schizophrenia — an illness rare in children.

A PROMINENT child psychologist says he’s surprised antipsychotics are being fed to troubled boys and teens.

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg told Miranda Live the medication is most often “used to treat schizophrenia”, an illness which is rare in young children.

But a study out of Adelaide has found children from lower-income families with single parents are more likely to be given the drugs to keep them calm.

“I think it is a worrying finding,” Mr Carr Gregg told Miranda Live host Miranda Devine.

“Parent education can make a huge difference,” he says.

“We need to ensure children grow up feeling safe and listened to.”

HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE