Food and Drug Administration advisers say three psychiatric drugs appear safe and effective for children and adolescents, despite side effects that can increase the risk of diabetes.

The psychiatric advisers voted to approve the use of the drugs from AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Pfizer in patients ages 10 to 17.

The drugs are for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.      

The FDA does not have to go along with the group's advice, although it usually does.

According to the Associated Press, the advisers largely brushed aside concerns from patient and consumer advocates.

Those advocates believe the companies should have been required to conduct longer studies of the drugs' side effects.