Prescription amphetamines used to treat conditions such as ADHD have been linked to an increased risk of developing psychosis. Researchers from McLean Hospital found that individuals who take high doses of amphetamines have a five-fold increased risk of developing psychosis or mania. Studies have shown that the use of prescription amphetamines in adults has been on the rise in the United States, with potential side effects including addiction and psychosis.
The research team analyzed medical data from adults between the ages of 16 and 35 treated at Mass General Brigham from 2005 to 2019. They found that study participants taking high doses of prescription amphetamines had a 81% risk of developing psychosis or mania. This risk was significantly higher compared to those not taking high doses of amphetamines.
According to lead study author Dr. Lauren Moran, the findings suggest that a significant percentage of psychosis or mania cases in individuals taking prescription amphetamines could have been avoided if they were not taking high doses. The study also found no significant increase in psychosis or mania risk in individuals receiving methylphenidate, commonly known as Ritalin.
Dr. David Merrill, a board-certified geriatric psychiatrist, emphasized the importance of careful patient selection, dose titration, and close monitoring when prescribing amphetamines. He suggested using the lowest effective dose, utilizing extended-release formulations, and considering nonpharmacologic interventions as first-line treatments whenever possible.
Moving forward, there is a need for further research to determine the specific risk factors associated with developing psychosis or mania when exposed to amphetamines. Longitudinal cohort studies, pharmacovigilance studies, and mechanistic studies could provide valuable information on the relationship between high-dose amphetamine prescriptions and the risk of psychosis and mania.
