Adderall Psychosis

Adderall is a prescription medication that contains amphetamines and is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sometimes, a condition known as Adderall psychosis may manifest.

Both people with ADHD and others without the disorder misuse Adderall. Users enjoy the energy and excitement the drug produces. However, when an unwanted reliance on Adderall happens, it paves the way to dependency and addiction.

Although another grave consequence can also occur— Adderall psychosis, an alarming mental health problem filled with dangers. People who have experienced Adderall psychosis draw parallels to episodes of schizophrenia.

Nonetheless, it is essential to discern that drug-induced psychosis, triggered by Adderall or other substances, usually disappears once the drugs leave the system.

In contrast, experiencing conditions such as schizophrenia and various forms of psychosis establish mental illness that may require continuous treatment throughout one’s lifetime.

Experienced treatment centers can help manage Adderall psychosis along with substance use disorders. Licensed therapists can help you deal with the lasting effects of an addiction to Adderall.

Can Adderall Cause Psychosis?

When people abuse Adderall by taking larger doses than recommended by a doctor without supervision, it raises the likelihood of experiencing symptoms of psychosis. While researchers cannot predict with certainty who will develop Adderall-induced psychosis or why, some common factors increase the chances.

Some factors that increase your chances of developing Adderall psychosis include:

• Misusing Adderall by taking large amounts
• Genetic factors
• Having other mental disorders or psychotic symptoms at the same time
• Family history of mental health issues and substance abuse disorders
• The amount of Adderall taken and the length of time
• The way it is taken
• High levels of stress or unusual stress
• Poor nutrition
• Lack of sleep
• Traumatic experiences
• Using other drugs or alcohol or using multiple substances together
• Previous experiences of overdosing on Adderall

Awareness of these risk factors before Adderall usage may vary among people. While some may know the potential risks, others might be oblivious. Hence, undergoing medical supervision and screening is imperative before taking legal or illicit medication. Doing so lets you make informed decisions about your health and understand any risks involved.

What Is Adderall Psychosis?

Adderall psychosis refers to troubling symptoms that can include seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, feeling suspicious or afraid, having intrusive or disturbing thoughts and emotions, and difficulty telling what is real.

Adderall, an amphetamine, influences the central nervous system, providing stimulation. It operates upon the brain chemicals responsible for processing and comprehending internal and external stimuli. However, when a significant disturbance happens to the delicate equilibrium of these chemicals, it is easier to develop psychosis.

As per a study featured in the esteemed New England Journal of Medicine, people who are freshly prescribed Adderall face the likelihood of encountering a psychotic episode compared to long-term users who are used to taking the medication. However, it is essential to highlight that even people using Adderall over an extended period are not immune to the potential risk of drug-induced psychosis.

Symptoms of Adderall Psychosis

The symptoms of Adderall psychosis can span a spectrum from mild to severe, often posing challenges for people to diagnose. The duration and intensity of these symptoms may vary from person to person.

Typically, the symptoms of Adderall-induced psychosis tend to decrease and vanish within days or weeks, provided the person refrains from using stimulants or other substances that may increase the risk or prolong psychotic manifestations. Less than 10% of people endure psychosis symptoms for over a year. Among this subgroup, 93% have found successful resolution through treatment involving long-acting antipsychotic medication.

Paranoia is a common symptom of Adderall psychosis, and medical professionals often consider them together since they frequently occur together. Common symptoms of Adderall psychosis and paranoia include:

• Feeling tense or constantly on edge
• Difficulty relaxing
• Trouble concentrating
• Displaying a defensive or confrontational attitude
• Providing vague responses to straightforward questions
• Acting suspicious and distrusting towards people they usually trust
• Disorganized thoughts
• Conversations that are hard to follow or chaotic
• Increased movement or reflexes
• Lethargy or lack of energy
• Withdrawing from social interactions
• Hearing, feeling, or seeing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
• Believing that things have hidden meanings or secret codes (delusions)
• Outbursts of violence or aggressive behavior
• Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Attempting to hurt oneself

During episodes of auditory hallucinations induced by Adderall, you may perceive voices conveying false information or compelling you to act upon specific impulses.

When you have auditory hallucinations from Adderall, you might hear voices that give wrong information or make you do certain things. The person undergoing psychosis remains oblivious to the fact that they are hallucinating. They can potentially pose a risk to themselves and others.

It is important not to physically restrain or try to control someone experiencing drug-induced psychosis or a mental health crisis. Instead, allow them to have their own space. Speak calmly and quietly to them, take them to a safe place, and wait for the symptoms to subside.

Call for emergency assistance and communicate that mental health services are needed if you believe there is an immediate danger. At times, introducing strangers or police officers can intensify drug-triggered psychosis. Hence, it’s crucial to notify emergency personnel about the situation they might encounter upon arrival.

Adderall’s Negative Side Effects

The side effects of Adderall can exhibit considerable variation from one individual to another. Those taking low doses of Adderall to manage ADHD are less prone to encounter severe side effects than people who misuse the drug recreationally or consume it in high doses.

Some of the usual side effects of taking Adderall are:

• Increased heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure
• Feeling sick and throwing up
• Lack of moisture in the mouth
• Perspiring
• Decreased desire to eat
• Aching head
• Feeling lightheaded
• Shivering
• Feeling uneasy
• Being easily annoyed

While the mentioned side effects are among the most frequently reported, it is essential to know that there are potentially numerous other side effects, mainly when Adderall is combined with other substances and medications or taken over an extended period.

Long-Term Adderall Side Effects

Long-term Adderall abuse can lead to both mental and physical symptoms. Adderall can lead to lasting effects including:

• Depression
• Heightened anxiety
• Cardiac issues
• Kidney harm
• Weight loss
• Malnutrition
• Insomnia
• Addiction
• Stroke

None of the mentioned short-term or long-term side effects solely contribute to the cause of Adderall-induced psychosis. However, in specific scenarios, these effects may fuel other triggers, creating a perfect storm that increases the likelihood of psychosis.

Adderall Psychosis Treatment

To treat Adderall-induced psychosis, a strategy that considers substance use and mental health conditions is needed.

Northridge Addiction Treatment Center specializes in personalized treatment plans integrating various methods to heal the mind, body, and soul. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care for our residents. In our residential treatment program, you will benefit from a supportive environment while receiving guidance from our compassionate team of licensed addiction specialists. They are committed to your triumph and healing, enabling you to lead a satisfying addiction-free life.

Contact us today to take the first steps toward a meaningful recovery journey.