A large, new study found that the stimulant methylphenidate, such as the drugs Ritalin and Concerta, may lower the risk of psychosis when prescribed to younger children with ADHD.
Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have been identified to be at greater risk of developing psychotic conditions such as bipolar or schizophrenia, compared with neurotypical kids. Some studies have suggested a link to stimulants prescribed for ADHD.
The findings, published Wednesday in JAMA Psychiatry, found no difference in psychosis risk between children who were treated with methylphenidate — considered the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD — and those who were not. In fact, sustained methylphenidate treatment, when prescribed to children under age 13, for three to four years appeared to lower the risk.