Neurological and psychiatric adverse effects of long-term methylphenidate treatment in ADHD: A map of the current evidence
Publication year
2019Author(s)
Source
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 107, (2019), pp. 945-968ISSN
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor

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Organization
Cognitive Neuroscience
PI Group Memory & Emotion
Journal title
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Volume
vol. 107
Page start
p. 945
Page end
p. 968
Subject
Radboudumc 7: Neurodevelopmental disorders DCMN: Donders Center for Medical NeuroscienceAbstract
Methylphenidate (MPH), the most common medication for children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in many countries, is often prescribed for long periods of time. Any long-term psychotropic treatment in childhood raises concerns about possible adverse neurological and psychiatric outcomes. We aimed to map current evidence regarding neurological and psychiatric outcomes, adverse or beneficial, of long-term MPH (> 1year) treatment in ADHD. We coded studies using a "traffic light" system: Green: safe/favours MPH; Amber: warrants caution; Red: not safe/not well-tolerated. Un-categorisable study findings were coded as "Unclear". Although some evidence suggests an elevated risk of psychosis and tics, case reports describe remission on discontinuation. Several studies suggest that long-term MPH may reduce depression and suicide in ADHD. Evidence suggests caution in specific groups including pre-school children, those with tics, and adolescents at risk for substance misuse. We identified a need for more studies that make use of large longitudinal databases, focus on specific neuropsychiatric outcomes, and compare outcomes from long-term MPH treatment with outcomes following shorter or no pharmacological intervention.
This item appears in the following Collection(s)
- Academic publications [227864]
- Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging [3567]
- Electronic publications [107337]
- Faculty of Medical Sciences [86218]
- Open Access publications [76459]
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