ADHD drugs may reduce risks of substance misuse and crime

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication is linked to a significantly lower risk of suicidal behaviours, substance misuse, transport accidents and criminality, according to a study.

- Hannah Devlin

The research, based on the medical records of nearly 150,000 people in Sweden, suggested the drugs could have meaningful benefits beyond helping with the core ADHD symptoms. Although the study was not a randomised trial - so cannot definitively prove medication improved outcomes - it adds to evidence of the substantial value of treatment.

"We found ADHD medication was associated with significantly reduced rates of first occurrences of suicidal behaviours, substance misuse, transport accidents and criminality," said Prof Samuele Cortese, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and researcher at the University of Southampton. "Our results should inform the debate on the effects and safety of ADHD medications."