The risk of psychosis may increase with some medications for ADHD



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The prescription of stimulants for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is increasing in adolescents and young adults, and a new study highlights potential safety issues. The study evaluated whether the risk of psychosis in adolescents and young adults with ADHD differs from one stimulant to another thanks to the use of two databases of commercial claims .

Posted in New England Journal of Medicinethe study included patients aged 13-25 who had been diagnosed with ADHD and had started taking methylphenidate (eg Ritalin or Concerta) or amphetamine-based drugs (Adderall or Vyvanse) between January 1, 2004 and September 30, 2015.1 In addition, the results of the study evaluated a new diagnosis of psychosis for which an antipsychotic was prescribed during the first 60 days after the onset of psychosis.

The study included 221,846 patients. Of these patients, 110,923 were on methylphenidate and were matched to 110,923 individuals receiving amphetamines. The study found that there were 343 episodes of psychosis, of which 106 in the methylphenidate group and 237 in the amphetamine group. A recent onset psychosis occurred in about 1 in 660 patients. Ultimately, the risk was twice as high in amphetamine-initiating patients as in those taking methylphenidate.

A version of this article was originally published by Pharmacy Times. See the full article at PharmacyTimes.com.

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