Association of Risk of Suicide Attempts With Methylphenidate Treatment

2017137 citationsJournal Articlebronze Open Access

Authors

Kenneth K. C. Man · Attention Deficit Disorder Treatment Center

David Coghill · University of Dundee

Esther W. Chan · University of Hong Kong

Wallis C. Y. Lau · University of Hong Kong

Chris Hollis · Attention Deficit Disorder Treatment Center

Elizabeth B. Liddle · Attention Deficit Disorder Treatment Center

Tobias Banaschewski

Abstract

The incidence of suicide attempts was higher in the period immediately before the start of methylphenidate treatment. The risk remained elevated immediately after the start of methylphenidate treatment and returned to baseline levels during continuation of methylphenidate treatment. The observed higher risk of suicide attempts before treatment may reflect emerging psychiatric symptoms that trigger medical consultations that result in a decision to begin ADHD treatment. Therefore, this study's results do not support a causal association between methylphenidate treatment and suicide attempts.

Topics & Keywords

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Functional Brain Connectivity Studies Bipolar Disorder and Treatment

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good health and well-being

Publication Details

Published in: JAMA Psychiatry

Volume 74, Issue 10, pp. 1048-1048

DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.2183

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 8.38