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Published by: Kristine Joyce Soriano
Date Published: October 17, 2024
Time Published: 6:15 PM
Researchers from Mclean Hospital in Massachusetts revealed that individuals taking high-dose amphetamine prescriptions were found to have a fivefold increased risk of psychosis from their analysis of data from 16 to 35 year olds treated at Mass General Brigham between 2005 and 2019.
The study revealed that receiving amphetamines carried a 63% risk of developing mania, rising to 81% for those taking high doses of 30 milligrams or more.
Between 2011 and 2021, amphetamine use in adults increased by 70%, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge has raised concerns about the potential for psychosis in individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The American Journal of Psychiatry published findings from this research, which identified approximately 1,300 individuals exhibiting early signs of mania and 2,700 with psychotic conditions like anxiety and depression.
Amphetamines are medications used to speed up the transmission of messages in the brain and body. Doctors prescribe them for conditions like Parkinson's disease, narcolepsy, and ADHD.
These drugs vary in size and color, ranging from white to brown, and occasionally grey or pink. They can be injected (immediate effects), inhaled, or swallowed (effects within 30 minutes).
Amphetamines are often sold illegally, typically packaged in aluminum foil or plastic bags.
Common effects of amphetamine use include feelings of energy, happiness, and confidence, as well as decreased appetite, rapid breathing and heartbeat, dry mouth, and dilated pupils.
Lauren Moran, a pharmacoepidemiology researcher at McLean Hospital, recommends that physicians consider alternative medications to amphetamine.
"There’s limited evidence that prescription amphetamines are more effective in high doses," Moran stated.
ADHD, commonly observed in childhood, is characterized by difficulties managing tasks and challenges. Individuals with ADHD may exhibit behaviors such as sudden daydreaming, difficulty with time management, frequent losing of items, and an inability to sit still. They may also experience distractibility, impaired work performance, and difficulty controlling their attention and focus.
Late adolescence and early adulthood are periods of higher risk for psychosis, and amphetamines are commonly prescribed to ADHD patients during these stages. This increased risk of psychosis has not been observed with other ADHD medications, such as methylphenidate. Future studies are being conducted to explore the potential causes of psychosis and any contributing factors.
REFERENCES:
Alcohol and Drug Foundation. What are amphetamines?. (n.d).
Klein, A. (2023). What to know about ADHD. MEDICALNEWSTODAY. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323667#outlook
Pelc, C. (2024). High-dose ADHD drugs linked to 81% higher psychosis risk, study warns. MEDICALNEWSTODAY.
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