Adverse drug events related to mood and emotion in paediatric patients treated for ADHD: A meta-analysis.

Researchers investigated the occurrence of mood and emotion-related adverse events in patients pharmacologically treated for ADHD. They performed systematic review of trials reporting adverse influences of ADHD drugs on emotional symptoms and meta-analysis of the occurrence of irritability, anxiety, apathy, reduced talk, sadness, crying, emotional lability, biting nails, staring, perseveration, euphoria. Findings suggested methylphenidates as safer than amphetamines, despite higher risks were displayed in younger patients and females, especially with high-dose, immediate-release methylphenidates. Although amphetamines and methylphenidates also did not show a safe profile regarding mood and emotional symptoms, only atomoxetine holds a black-box warning.