Excessive use of ADHD drugs significantly increases the risk of psychosis or mania, according to recent studies.
According to a new study that was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, people who take drugs like Adderall, Vyvanse, and generic amphetamines without strict supervision run the risk of developing mania and psychosis. It seems that only high dosages of dextroamphetamine or its analog—more than 30 milligrams—are associated with psychosis and ADHD.
According to psychiatrist Jacob Ballon, co-director of Stanford Medicine’s INSPIRE Clinic, prescription amphetamines “can flood the brain with dopamine, and when you flood the brain with dopamine, you potentially can cause psychosis.”
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Similar results have been reported by other studies, such as a 2019 New England Journal of Medicine study that discovered amphetamine usage was linked to an increased risk of psychosis in young persons with ADHD when compared to methylphenidate.
The novelty of this study is in its clarification of the “dose-response relationship,” which states that the larger the dose, the higher the risk of psychosis and mania.
According to Will Cronenwett, vice chair for clinical affairs in psychiatry at Northwestern Medicine, “the United States is having a bit of an amphetamine moment right now,” NBC News reported. “The use and popularity of amphetamines are increasing.”
Unfortunately, if a patient takes a high dose of these medications, they may experience psychotic symptoms.
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Lead study author Lauren Moran stated, “We’ve seen this a lot.” “College students who don’t have much of a psychiatric history and who are prescribed stimulants are coming in and developing new-onset psychosis.”
However, in the big picture, the likelihood of acquiring psychosis from using ADHD drugs is quite low—roughly 1 in 1,000 people—according to Cronenwett. But it’s critical to discuss and keep an eye on your risks with a professional—particularly if they have a history of mental illness.
“Those with a personal or family history of serious mental illness, such as bipolar disorder with mania or schizophrenia, should seek counseling,” stated Cronenwett. “Someone may want to exercise extreme caution about the amount and dosage of these medications they take if these kinds of illnesses run in the family.”
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