March 27, 2024

expert reaction to unpublished conference abstract on ADHD stimulant use and risk of cardiomyopathy

A conference abstract being presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session looks at ADHD stimulant use and risk of cardiomyopathy. 

Prof Samuele Cortese, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Southampton, said:

“Without published peer-reviewed full text,  it is impossible to assess the quality of the study and possible bias, and hence it is challenging to comment on this conference proceeding. A study published recently in JAMA Psychiatry (Zhang et al, 2024; Editorial: Cortese & Fava, Jama Psychiatry 2024) indicated that longer cumulative use of methylphenidate for up to 14 years was correlated with a small but statistically significant increased risk of hypertension and arterial disease, but not of other serious cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure. Notably, the risk elevation occurred only above certain average doses. Although the results of the study by Zhang et al., in agreement with current evidence-based guidelines, underscore the importance of monitoring cardiovascular parameters when prescribing methylphenidate, they do not justify withholding such an effective treatment from individuals who stand to benefit from it.”

The unpublished conference abstract ‘ADHD stimulant use associated with increased risk of cardiomyopathy in young adults’ is being presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session on Sunday 7^th April.

Declared interests

Prof Samuele Cortese: SC declares honoraria from the British Association of Psychopharmacology, Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance, Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, and Medice. He has served on the advisory board of the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH). He has served as deputy editor of Evidence Based Mental Health (now BMJ Mental Health), associate editor of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, and on the editorial board of the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.