Parental Mental Illness and Risk for Psychotic Reaction to Stimulant Drugs

In children taking stimulant medications, hallucinations occurred more frequently in those with a parent who had major depression or bipolar disorder.

Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized behaviors) have been reported infrequently in children and youth treated with a stimulant medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In a review of 49 randomized, controlled trials of children with ADHD, 0.25% of approximately 5700 children experienced hallucinations (less frequently delusions) while on medication; no psychotic symptoms were reported in the 4000 children on placebo therapy. (NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Jun 2009 and Pediatrics 2009; 123:611).

In the current study, investigators assessed the risk for psychotic symptoms in 141 children and youth aged 6 to 21 years (mean age, 12 years) who had a parent with major depressive disorder, bipolar dis…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics