The recent death of a young man in Washington state has brought renewed attention to the potential dangers of ADHD medications, coinciding with a new study that suggests these drugs may significantly increase the risk of serious mental health issues.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the tragic case of Elijah Hanson underscores the growing concerns about the overprescription and misuse of drugs like Adderall.

Elijah Hanson, a 21-year-old from Tacoma, Washington, died by suicide in June, just two months after obtaining an Adderall prescription through the telehealth platform Cerebral.

Hanson had a history of treatment for anti-social personality disorder (ASPD) but no formal ADHD diagnosis. His death has raised questions about the ease of access to these powerful medications and the potential consequences of their misuse.

The Tragic Case Of Elijah Hanson

Hanson's story is a stark illustration of the potential risks associated with ADHD medications. Despite his history of mental health issues, he was able to secure a prescription for Adderall through Cerebral, an online telehealth platform. This occurred even after a previous physician on the platform had denied him the medication due to concerns about his mental state.

According to Hanson's family, he created a new account on Cerebral in April and successfully obtained the Adderall prescription. His brother later reported that Elijah was taking too much of the medication. Tragically, Hanson died by suicide two months later, with his mother, Kelli Rasmussen, finding his body in her kitchen. Rasmussen has since accused Cerebral of being complicit in her son's death.

New Study Reveals Increased Mental Health Risks

Coinciding with Hanson's tragic story, a new study from Mass General Brigham has uncovered a potentially alarming link between ADHD medications and an increased risk of serious mental health issues.

The research, which examined approximately 4,000 people aged 16 to 35, found that those prescribed ADHD stimulants were over 60% more likely to suffer from psychosis or mania compared to those not using these medications.

Lead study author Lauren Moran emphasized the significance of these findings:

Our results show that it is clear that dose is a factor in psychosis risk and should be a chief consideration when prescribing stimulants.

The study revealed a strong correlation between higher doses of stimulants and increased mental health risks. Patients taking the maximum FDA-recommended dose of stimulants like Adderall faced a fivefold higher likelihood of experiencing a mental breakdown compared to non-users.

Widespread Use And Recent Surge In Prescriptions

The research comes amid a significant increase in ADHD medication prescriptions in the United States. According to the study, 41 million Adderall prescriptions were filled last year alone, representing a 16% increase since before the COVID-19 pandemic. It's estimated that one in eight Americans now take Adderall or other stimulants to treat ADHD.

This surge in prescriptions has been partly attributed to the relaxation of rules around prescribing ADHD medicines in March 2020, a measure implemented in response to the pandemic.

Since then, there has been a marked increase in new patients receiving prescriptions, with four million new prescriptions last year alone - double the number from the previous year.

Concerns Over Telehealth Platforms And Prescription Practices

The case of Elijah Hanson has brought scrutiny to telehealth platforms like Cerebral, which have been accused of prioritizing profits over patient well-being. Critics argue that these platforms may not adequately evaluate patients before prescribing powerful medications like Adderall.

Prior to the pandemic, doctors were required to meet with patients in person to write prescriptions for ADHD medications. However, the shift to virtual consultations has made it easier for individuals to obtain these drugs, potentially without proper evaluation or monitoring.

Differential Risks Among ADHD Medications

The study found that not all ADHD medications carry the same level of risk. While amphetamine-based drugs like Adderall were associated with increased mental health risks, no significant risk increase was observed with the use of methylphenidate, commonly known as Ritalin.

This disparity in risk profiles led Moran to advise:

There's limited evidence that prescription amphetamines are more effective in high doses. Physicians should consider other medications our study found to be less risky, especially if a patient is at high risk for psychosis or mania.

While the FDA recommends that doctors do not prescribe more than 40mg of Adderall and other stimulants to ADHD patients, there is currently no upper dose limit on the drugs' labels. This lack of clear guidelines, combined with the study's findings, suggests a need for more stringent protocols in ADHD medication management.

Why This Story Matters

The narrative of Elijah Hanson is a microcosm of a larger issue affecting the intersection of health technology, regulation, and mental health. It underscores the need for vigilance, thorough regulation, and an informed public to safeguard against similar tragedies. As society leans more on digital healthcare solutions, Elijah's story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential human cost of convenience and highlights the need for stringent regulatory frameworks to ensure these innovations serve the public good without unintended consequences.

Conclusion

The death of Elijah Hanson and the new study linking ADHD medications to increased mental health risks have significant implications for millions of Americans. The research found that individuals taking Adderall and similar stimulants, especially at higher doses, face substantially greater odds of experiencing psychosis or mania. Hanson's tragic case highlights the potential dangers of easy access to these medications through telehealth platforms. With an estimated one in eight Americans now taking ADHD drugs, the study emphasizes the need for careful consideration of dosage, thorough patient evaluation, and exploration of alternative treatments, particularly for patients at higher risk of mental health complications.