Health · Mental Health · 3 hrs ago
Psychiatrists warn of psychosis risk linked to ADHD stimulants
Australian psychiatrists say psychosis linked to ADHD medication is becoming more common.
More people are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with stimulants; the number of Australian adults receiving treatment has risen more than sixfold since 2017.
The drugs can rarely trigger psychosis, which may involve paranoia, hallucinations or delusional beliefs.
Taking more than prescribed, using stimulants without medical supervision or combining them with other substances can increase risks.
Doctors say some people develop psychosis even when taking medication as directed, and the risk in adults is not well established.
A psychotic episode can be a serious and disruptive event; people are usually treated in hospital with anti-psychotic medication, therapy and social support.
Psychiatrists warn that ADHD stimulant medication can, in rare cases, trigger psychosis, including paranoia and hallucinations.
They say more patients are presenting with psychosis linked to the drugs as stimulant use rises.
Misuse, taking more than prescribed, and combining stimulants with other substances can increase risk.
A Sydney psychiatrist reported treating four cases linked to ADHD medication in the past year.
Doctors say patients should be informed of the risk, which may also occur when medication is taken as prescribed.
- Who
- Psychiatrists and other doctors, including Dr Pramudie Gunaratne and Dr Matthew Large, are warning about the risk.
- What
- ADHD stimulant medication can trigger psychosis in rare cases. Doctors say cases are appearing more often.
- When
- The article was published on November 1, 2026. Large said he had seen four cases in the past year.
- Where
- Australia.
- Why
- Stimulants can increase dopamine transmission, which is thought to contribute to psychosis. Increased use and misuse may also be factors.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Research by the University of NSW found the number of adults being treated for ADHD has increased more than sixfold since this year.
Sydney psychiatrist Matthew Large said he had seen four cases of psychosis linked to ADHD medication.
SMH published psychiatrists’ warnings about psychosis linked to ADHD medication.
- Australian adults with ADHD
- Estimated 2 to 6 per cent
- ADHD treatment
- Adults treated increased more than sixfold since 2017
- Cases seen by Matthew Large
- Four in the past year
- Psychosis symptoms
- Paranoia, hallucinations or delusional beliefs
What people are saying
Even when stimulants are taken exactly as prescribed in people without known risk factors, there is a rare but real risk of psychosis.
The practice has outstripped safety evidence, in my view.
They lose contact with reality.
It is a real health problem from an addiction and mental health point of view.