Psychotic Side Effects of Psychostimulants: A 5-Year Review

Abstract

Objective: To examine the rate of psychotic and mood-congruent psychotic side effects of stimulant medications in children treated for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: A chart review was completed of all children diagnosed with ADHD in an outpatient clinic from January 1989 to March 1995. Results: Over 5 years, 192 children were diagnosed with ADHD. Ninety-eight children received treatment at the clinic with stimulants. Six children developed psychotic or mood-congruent psychotic symptoms during treatment. Children on medication were followed for an average of 1 year and 9 months. Conclusions: Awareness of the potential for psychotic side effects from stimulant medications is important when prescribing for children. A large prospective study would be useful to predict the frequency and classification of the side effects in children.