High Dosage of ADHD Drugs Linked to Risk of Psychosis

A recent study analyzing health records of more than 4,000 patients found a strong link between high dosages of prescribed amphetamines and the onset of psychosis.  While correlation is not causation, this study found a very concerning dose-response relationship, meaning that the risk rose as the dosage amount rose.   The study was limited to amphetamines, such as Adderall, and did not include Ritalin, which is not an amphetamine.

Although a single study does not prove causation, the study's findings warrant a high degree of caution.  Organizations serving young people diagnosed with ADHD need to be aware of the possibility of bad side effects, and possibly alert parents to this study's findings.