Discinesia induzida pelo metilfenidato, um efeito pouco conhecido

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the leading mental and behavioral disorders in childhood and adolescence and remains a clinical challenge for healthcare professionals. Methylphenidate (MPH) is the first-line pharmacological treatment option for children over six years of age, but it is not without side effects. While the most common are mild and reversible upon therapy discontinuation, less recognized complications may occur, such as MPH-induced dyskinesia. Dyskinesia may present acutely, with the sudden onset of involuntary movements shortly after MPH administration (acute dyskinesia) or tardively, developing gradually after weeks of treatment (tardive dyskinesia). The cause of this drug-induced effect remains unclear. Herein is reported the first case in the literature of a patient with ADHD who developed symptoms of acute and tardive dyskinesia while receiving MPH. This case highlights the importance of awareness and early recognition of this rare but potentially stigmatizing adverse effect.