Methylphenidate-induced psychosis in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: report of 3 new cases and review of the literature.
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.


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.
Kraemer
Markus
M
Outpatient Clinic for Adult ADHD, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, LVR Clinic Essen; and daggerDepartment of Neurology, Alfried Krupp Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany. markus.kraemer@krupp-krankenhaus.de
Uekermann
Jennifer
J
Wiltfang
Jens
J
Kis
Bernhard
B
D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate