Mental illnesses involving psychosis usually happen for the first time in the late teen years or early adulthood. The idea that their children could develop psychosis might worry a parent. Especially because most of the underlying causes of psychosis feel outside of a parent’s control. Genetics, physical illness, substance abuse, or extreme stress or trauma can all be underlying causes of psychosis. (5) Additionally, new research from Harvard shows that certain ADHD medications may in fact increase the risk of psychosis. (2)
What is Psychosis?
People with psychosis lose touch with reality and see, hear, or believe things that aren’t real. Psychosis can involve delusions (holding on to false or odd beliefs) or hallucinations (hearing or seeing something that doesn’t exist). Schizophrenia is one example of a psychotic disorder. Psychosis is actually a symptom, not an illness. (5)
Do ADHD Medications Lead To Psychosis?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition involving behavioral symptoms, including inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. During childhood, ADHD is more common in males than in females, but the prevalence becomes relatively even in adulthood. A neurodevelopmental disorder, diagnosis occurs before the age of 12 years.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that, in 2016, about 6.1 million children living in the United States received a diagnosis of ADHD. (6, 7)
When it comes to ADHD and psychosis, it is not specifically the ADHD which is a precursor to psychosis. A recent study demonstrates that children who are placed on medications, specifically stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine for the treatment of ADHD, may be at risk for developing psychosis. (2)
Education Is Important
All too often children and their parents don’t know about the possible side effects that accompany their prescribed ADHD medications. A doctor might send a parent home with a prescription for their child to help manage the ADHD. However, that parent might not know that a risk of psychosis goes along with the medication. On the rare occasion when these symptoms happen, parents are unaware, until it is too late. In the case of a 17-year-old student who thought taking more of his medication would help him increase his focus. Instead, it gave him hallucinations for which he had to see a psychiatrist. He also began talking to himself. Once he began treatment and they discontinued the medication, the patient stopped having psychotic episodes and was functioning well once again. (3)
Consider ADHD Medications Carefully
When a diagnosis of ADHD is involved, careful consideration should come into play. First of all, a team of specialists well-versed in ADHD diagnosis should diagnose your child because they will use the proper standards. A 15-minute diagnosis in a pediatrician’s office is not a proper diagnosis, nor should it warrant your child being placed on prescription medication.
Insist on the proper testing for your child, as you are your child’s best advocate. Once a proper diagnosis has been made, consider all your options before deciding to go with stimulants for your child. If you do decide to go with stimulants, be as educated and well informed as you can. Make sure you know all there is to know about your ADHD medication before you administer the first dose to your child. (4, 6)
