The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Risperdal (risperidone) tablets for the symptomatic treatment of irritability in autistic children and adolescents.

The approval of the adult antipsychotic drug is the first use of a drug to treat behaviors associated with autism in children.

The FDA said these behaviors are included under the general heading of irritability, and include aggression, deliberate self-injury, and temper tantrums

A new study suggests Risperdal may be linked to 70 percent of pituitary tumors.

The Food and Drug Administration worked in conjunction with Duke University on the study, which found the antipsychotic and similar medications may cause pituitary tumors

A comparison of five schizophrenia drugs finds most newer treatments fare no better than an older generic drug, despite higher costs, according to a study released Monday.

The only exception is Eli Lilly and Co.'s Zyprexa, which may be better than the other medicines. Apart from being the most expensive drug, the study found Zyprexa users experienced dramatic weight gain and developed a higher risk of diabetes