Psychotic disorders comorbid with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: an important knowledge gap
Emmanuelle Levy1, Alexandru Traicu2, Srividya Iyer3
1Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec; Psychiatrist, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec.
Summary
Treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients with psychotic disorders (PD) using psychostimulants may be viable once psychosis is stabilized. Untreated ADHD poses risks, but further research is needed on combined treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Psychotic disorders (PD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently co-occur.
- Clinicians hesitate to treat ADHD in patients with psychosis due to concerns about psychostimulant-induced worsening of psychotic symptoms.
- Neurobiological advances challenge the traditional dopamine-based dichotomy between PD and ADHD treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the comorbidity of ADHD and psychosis.
- To explore the potential benefits and risks of treating ADHD in patients with PD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating comorbid ADHD and psychosis.
- Analysis of neurobiological underpinnings and treatment implications.
Main Results:
- Psychostimulant treatment for ADHD may be considered in stabilized PD patients on antipsychotics (APs).
- Untreated ADHD can increase the risk of substance abuse, potentially exacerbating PD.
- Uncertainty remains regarding the optimal combined use of APs and psychostimulants.
Conclusions:
- Careful consideration of ADHD treatment in comorbid PD is warranted.
- Stabilization with antipsychotics is a prerequisite for considering psychostimulants.
- Further systematic research is essential to clarify treatment guidelines for this complex comorbidity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
1.4K
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.4K
01:20Personality Disorders: Schizotypal and Histrionic
1.1K
Schizotypal personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder are two distinct psychological conditions classified under personality disorders, each characterized by unique behavioral patterns and social difficulties. Both disorders significantly affect interpersonal relationships and emotional well-being, leading to social isolation and frustration.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Eccentric Behavior and Social Withdrawal
Schizotypal personality disorder is marked by odd or eccentric...
Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Eccentric Behavior and Social Withdrawal
Schizotypal personality disorder is marked by odd or eccentric...
1.1K
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
2.5K
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
2.5K
01:22Personality Disorders: Paranoid and Schizoid
1.1K
Personality disorders represent enduring cognition, affect, and behavior patterns that significantly deviate from societal norms. These maladaptive traits often lead to difficulties in various domains, including interpersonal relationships, occupational settings, and overall psychological well-being. Paranoid personality disorder and schizoid personality disorder are two distinct conditions marked by odd or eccentric behavior.
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder is...
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder is...
1.1K
01:28Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
1.2K
The term "psychosis" refers to a spectrum of mental disorders characterized by abnormal thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors. It can manifest as mood disorders, dementia, delirium with psychotic features, substance-induced psychosis with psychotic features, brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia. Among all these disorders, schizophrenia is the most common psychotic disorder, affecting 1% of the worldwide population. Psychotic...
1.2K
01:30Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions
1.2K
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that can manifest with various positive symptoms, including thought, movement, and behavior disorders. These symptoms significantly disrupt cognitive and motor functions, leading to profound effects on an individual's ability to engage with the world.
Thought Disorders
Disorganized and unusual thought processes mark thought disorders in schizophrenia. One key feature is disorganized speech, where an individual's conversation includes...
Thought Disorders
Disorganized and unusual thought processes mark thought disorders in schizophrenia. One key feature is disorganized speech, where an individual's conversation includes...
1.2K