Prescription Trends Raise Psychosis Risks in ADHD Treatments
Submitted by MAGA
Posted 72 days ago
The alarming rise in ADHD medication prescriptions, particularly amphetamines like Adderall, has now been linked to a significant increase in risks of psychosis and mania, underscoring the urgent need for caution in their use.
Recent research conducted by Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital reveals that individuals taking high doses of these stimulant medications face a 5.3-fold higher chance of being hospitalized for psychotic or manic episodes compared to those being treated for other psychiatric conditions.
This study scrutinized health records from the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, analyzing cases from 2005 to 2019, and has raised serious concerns about the long-term consequences of high-dose ADHD treatments.
With prescriptions often exceeding 30 mg of dextroamphetamine equivalents, it's evident that many patients—especially older adults—are at heightened risk.
Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist not involved in the study, points out that many patients typically require only up to 40 mg of Adderall, suggesting a troubling trend of over-prescription.
Supporting this, the research indicates that approximately 81% of cases involving high dosages could have been avoided entirely, emphasizing the dangers associated with reckless prescribing practices.
In stark contrast to amphetamines, other ADHD medications like Ritalin do not appear to carry the same risk for psychosis, prompting questions about the FDA's labeling and guidelines for prescriptions.
With no established upper limit for adult dosages, doctors may be unwittingly placing their patients at risk by prescribing higher doses without adequate oversight.
This should evoke concern not only among medical professionals but also within a healthcare system that increasingly leans toward aggressive medication as a first-line treatment.
As families grapple with the implications of ADHD diagnoses, they must also navigate the potential side effects of the drugs prescribed to treat these conditions.
The latest findings highlight a critical need for healthcare providers and policymakers to re-evaluate prescribing practices and consider patient safety as the priority.
In a world where mental health is already a delicate issue, attention must be directed toward ensuring that treatments do not lead to exacerbated symptoms or new mental health crises.
Ultimately, this study serves as a wake-up call for parents, patients, and healthcare recipients to advocate for informed and responsible treatment options that prioritize lasting well-being over quick fixes.
Sources:
theepochtimes.com
theepochtimes.com
abc7.com
Recent research conducted by Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital reveals that individuals taking high doses of these stimulant medications face a 5.3-fold higher chance of being hospitalized for psychotic or manic episodes compared to those being treated for other psychiatric conditions.
This study scrutinized health records from the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, analyzing cases from 2005 to 2019, and has raised serious concerns about the long-term consequences of high-dose ADHD treatments.
With prescriptions often exceeding 30 mg of dextroamphetamine equivalents, it's evident that many patients—especially older adults—are at heightened risk.
Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist not involved in the study, points out that many patients typically require only up to 40 mg of Adderall, suggesting a troubling trend of over-prescription.
Supporting this, the research indicates that approximately 81% of cases involving high dosages could have been avoided entirely, emphasizing the dangers associated with reckless prescribing practices.
In stark contrast to amphetamines, other ADHD medications like Ritalin do not appear to carry the same risk for psychosis, prompting questions about the FDA's labeling and guidelines for prescriptions.
With no established upper limit for adult dosages, doctors may be unwittingly placing their patients at risk by prescribing higher doses without adequate oversight.
This should evoke concern not only among medical professionals but also within a healthcare system that increasingly leans toward aggressive medication as a first-line treatment.
As families grapple with the implications of ADHD diagnoses, they must also navigate the potential side effects of the drugs prescribed to treat these conditions.
The latest findings highlight a critical need for healthcare providers and policymakers to re-evaluate prescribing practices and consider patient safety as the priority.
In a world where mental health is already a delicate issue, attention must be directed toward ensuring that treatments do not lead to exacerbated symptoms or new mental health crises.
Ultimately, this study serves as a wake-up call for parents, patients, and healthcare recipients to advocate for informed and responsible treatment options that prioritize lasting well-being over quick fixes.
Sources:
theepochtimes.com
theepochtimes.com
abc7.com
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