Citation

Cherland E, Fitzpatrick R. Can. J. Psychiatry 1999; 44(8): 811-813.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. cherland@duke.usask.ca

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Canadian Psychiatric Association, Publisher SAGE Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10566114

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.

Language: en