Antipsychotic treatment among youths with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Sultan RS, Wang S, Crystal S, Olfson M. JAMA Netw Open. Published online July 26, 20192(7):e197850. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.7850
This retrospective study of over 180,000 young people found that 2.6% of those diagnosed with ADHD were prescribed antipsychotic medications. This subgroup was more likely to have diagnoses of oppositional defiant disorder, substance use disorders and episodes of self-harm and/or suicidal ideation. They were also more likely to receive inpatient treatment. Half of them received treatment with an antipsychotic prior to a stimulant, suggesting that increased acuity may be a key determinant of antipsychotic use.