Methylphenidate-induced psychosis  in a young antipsychotic-naïve female patient

Patryk  Walichniewicz; Michał  Lew-Starowicz

doi:10.36553/wm.74

Published: 2021-05-01

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2021)

Methylphenidate-induced psychosis in a young antipsychotic-naïve female patient

Patryk Walichniewicz , Michał Lew-Starowicz

Wiedza Medyczna

Section: Review papers

https://doi.org/10.36553/wm.74

Abstract

Methylphenidate (MPD) is commonly prescribed for patients with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Although used off-label, MPD forms part of complex and multifactorial treatment regimen for narcolepsy and hypersomnia, together with including behavioural interventions. The drug is sometimes also prescribed off-label to subjects with other mental illness or somatic condition to improve intellectual outcome, ease fatigue or enhance the ability to concentrate. Common side effects include headache, insomnia, decreased appetite and hypertension. Concurrently, clinicians should be aware of relatively rare but potentially threatening adverse effects including agitation and psychotic symptoms. Several case reports regarding MPD-induced psychosis have been published, but most of them regard children or teenagers (1) and much less is known about drug-induced psychosis in adults (2). In this article, we present a case report of MPD-induced psychosis in a 31-year-old, antipsychotic-naïve patient. Careful evaluation including clinical examination, medical and family history and possible early signs of psychosis is recommended each time before MPD treatment will be initiated.

Keywords:

methylphenidate, side effects, psychosis, diagnosis and treatment, case report

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Walichniewicz, P. ., & Lew-Starowicz, M. . (2021). Methylphenidate-induced psychosis in a young antipsychotic-naïve female patient. Wiedza Medyczna, 3(1), 28–31. https://doi.org/10.36553/wm.74

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Patryk Walichniewicz

Affiliation:

Psychiatric Ward, Bielanski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland Poland

Michał Lew-Starowicz