Neurological and psychiatric adverse effects of long-term methylphenidate treatment in ADHD: A map of the current evidence

Use of methylphenidate and the incidence of intentional self-harm or suicide attempts among individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and personality disorder

“…reduced suicidal ideation and behaviour in individuals with ADHD (Krinzinger et al, 2019), the reduced incidence of self-harm/suicide attempts after methylphenidate initiation in individuals with bipolar disorder and personality disorder observed in this study, and as recently reported also in depression (Rohde et al, 2020), represents largely unprecedented findings. Given the paucity of evidence-based treatments to prevent self-harm and the substantial prevalence of self-harm in these mental disorders, these findings are of clinical interest and suggest that (randomized) clinical studies of this phenomenon may be warranted.…”

Febrile seizure during treatment with methylphenidate

“…Stimulants might lower the convulsive threshold [13]. Although, in the review article, the authors summarized the reports regarding the relationship between methylphenidate treatment and seizures or EEG abnormalities [14]. They mentioned that while the evidence is limited and unclear, the studies do not indicate evidence for seizures as an adverse event of methylphenidate treatment in children with no prior history.…”

Usefulness of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) for evaluating drug effects and improvements in medication adherence in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

“…Various interventions, including pharmacological and psychological, have been used in the treatment of ADHD (7). Methylphenidate (MPH), the most commonly administered medication for children with ADHD in many countries, is often prescribed for long periods of time (8). By inhibiting dopamine transporters, it reportedly increases dopamine concentrations in the synaptic cleft, thereby facilitating binding to receptors (9).…”