ADHD Drugs Associated With An Increased Risk Of Major Depression In Children

Children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and taking the stimulant methylphenidate as treatment were at increased risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD). After starting methylphenidate, the incidence of MDD in children with ADHD was 18 times higher than children without ADHD. Before starting methylphenidate, their incidence of MDD was 12 times higher than for children without ADHD. After methylphenidate was discontinued, their incidence of MDD declined to the starting level within 60 days.

These findings were reported in “Association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Medication and Depression: A 10-year Follow-up Self-controlled Case Study” by . . .