There were also prescription increases of this type in West and South Cheshire during this time.

The figures were provided by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA)., with The Royal College of Psychiatrists saying that the most common reason for anti-psychotics being prescribed to children are psychosis, challenging behaviour linked to autism, and Tourette’s.Matt Blow, Policy Manager at the charity Young Mind, said: “It’s really important that parents and children have a good understanding of any mental health medication they’re being prescribed and what the side effects might be.”