Increased use of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drugs among children and adolescents with suicidal ideation: A real-world registry study in Japan.

AIM

Suicidality remains a significant clinical concern for individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) receiving treatment with ADHD medications, especially children and adolescents. This retrospective cohort study examined the association between suicidal ideation and the initiation of ADHD medications among children and adolescents with ADHD.

METHODS

Using children's mental health registry data from the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, this study included 431 patients aged 5-15 years diagnosed with ADHD and recorded their use of ADHD medications up to 5 years after the diagnosis. The baseline assessment of suicidal ideation was based on Item 10 of the Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children. The primary outcome was the incidence of the initiation of ADHD medications within 3 months after the diagnosis of ADHD.

RESULTS

At baseline assessment, 143 (33.2%) of 431 patients with ADHD had suicidal ideation. Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that suicidal ideation, older age, and more severe ADHD symptoms were all associated with the initiation of ADHD medications within 3 months after the diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that among children and adolescents with ADHD, caution and vigilant monitoring for suicidal ideation are crucial before initiating ADHD medications; follow-up is necessary according to the severity of their condition.