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Childhood methylphenidate linked to lower adult psychosis risk, Finnish study finds
A population study of nearly 700,000 Finnish births found that children treated with methylphenidate before age 13 had a lower risk of developing psychotic disorders in adulthood and that stimulant treatment did not increase psychosis risk.
Mar 26th 2026 ยท Finland
Insights
- Researchers analysed health records for nearly 700,000 people born in Finland, including about 4,000 diagnosed with ADHD.
- Methylphenidate treatment before age 13 was associated with a reduced risk of adult psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
- The study found no evidence that methylphenidate treatment increases the likelihood of developing psychosis.
- No protective association was observed for treatment that began in adolescence or adulthood.
- Authors call for further research on age-specific effects of stimulants; the study was funded by the St John of God Research Foundation.
Sources
- A Common ADHD Med Might Not Raise Psychosis Risk After All gizmodo.com
- ADHD medication in childhood may lower risk of psychosis later in life, study finds www.euronews.com
- Childhood ADHD medication may reduce psychosis risk. Children treated with methylphenidate before the age of 13 were less likely to go on to develop conditions such as schizophrenia in adulthood. Findings challenge long-standing concerns that stimulant medications may increase the risk of psychosis. www.ed.ac.uk