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Children receiving antipsychotics show a higher percentage of weight gain than adults (J Clin Psychopharmacol 2004; 24:429) and suffer an elevated risk for diabetes (NEJM JW Psychiatry Jan 9 2012). Therefore, clinicians need to understand genetic contributions to these adverse metabolic effects. To study the issue, investigators analyzed data on 181 genotyped children (mean age, 8) with autistic spectrum disorder who participated in NIH trials of manufacturer-supplied risperidone (mean daily dose, 2 mg) for irritability, a recent indication for this drug (NEJM JW Psychiatry Sep 4 2002). Protocols lasted 8 weeks, during which mean weight gain was 10% of baseline weight. Genes selected for study have been associated with appetite, satiety, an…