Methylphenidate-Induced Psychosis in Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Report of 3 New Cases and Review of the Literature

Kraemer, Markus MD^*†; Uekermann, Jennifer PhD^*; Wiltfang, Jens MD^*; Kis, Bernhard MD^*

*Outpatient Clinic for Adult ADHD, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR Clinic Essen; and †Department of Neurology, Alfried Krupp Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Markus Kraemer, MD, Department of Neurology, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Alfried-Krupp-Strasse 21, 45117 Essen, Germany; E-mail:[email protected]

There was no funding.

Clinical Neuropharmacology33(4):p 204-206, July 2010. |DOI:10.1097/WNF.0b013e3181e29174

Abstract

Objective:

We present 3 new cases of psychotic symptoms in patients with adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder while regularly treated with a stimulant therapy with methylphenidate.

Methods:

Existing literature about this theme is reviewed, and potential mechanisms are discussed.

Results and Conclusions:

Medication with methylphenidate should be avoided in patients with vulnerability to schizophrenia and in drug addiction, but reported cases without these risk factors demonstrate that a careful and regular psychiatric monitoring is essential in all patients treated with methylphenidate.