Awareness, usage and abuse of methylphenidate among young people in study process

Abstract

Introduction: Recent statistical data show a constantly increasing incidence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) emphasizing the wide usage of methylphenidate as an absolute treatment. Methylphenidate represent a psychostimulant drug which exert it’s function in prefrontal cortex of the brain which control our behavior, cognitive functions, memory, planning and focusing ability. In spite of its positive effect, improper use and without doctor’s prescription it is very dangerous for students.

Purpose and Objective: The social experiment was designed to identify the awareness usage and abuse of the drug methylphenidate among the young people during the study process and their basal knowledge about Contraindication and Side effect of the drug.

Materials and Methods: We collected data from 68 students, on a basis of anonymous inquiry. Among the students were people diagnosed with any form of ADHD and people who don’t have ADHD at all but still using a methylphenidate to boost their learning abilities. The information of usage, awareness and abuse was analyzed.

Results: We found that 19 out of 68 students (27.9%) which study Medicine in University used or using methylphenidate during their study process. After interpretation of result we understand that 9 (47.4%) from 19 students that used methylphenidate, used it as a self-medication and the usage of the drug is incorrect. 12 (63%) students out of 19 were satisfied with the effect of the drug, but another 7 (37%) students had a very pronounced side effects. From the inquiry we can see that 62 (91.2%) students out of 68 heard about this drug, but only 30 (44.11%) students know to which group this drug belongs and its pharmacological aspects. 29 (42.6%) students are aware of contraindications of this drug. The average age of participants is 21 years. The majority of students used the drug for the first time at the age of 20 year old 18 (94.7%) students out of 19 used methylphenidate in order to improve their study ability. The frequency of the usage of methylphenidate among the students is: 2 (11%) students use methylphenidate on daily basis, 5 (26%) students use methylphenidate once a week – once a month and 12 (63%) students are used methylphenidate only once in their lives. The side effects of the methylphenidate among the students were almost similar to the drug instruction. The side effect included tachycardia and palpitations, sweating, agitation, dyspnea, diarrhea/constipation, euphoria, insomnia, headache, loss of appetite, depression, diffused alopecia and changes in menstrual cycle. Even though, the students, had this side effect, on the question “Will they use methylphenidate again?” 11 (57%) students replied with positive answer, while 8 other students abstained.

Conclusion: Methylphenidate is a drug widely used in treatment of ADHD in all over the world. The action of the drug on brain itself is similar to the effect of Cocaine, thus require high awareness of the user about effects, contraindications and side effects of this drug, and what is most important, its proper administration. After analyzing the data above, we can see serious abuse of the drug in daily life of students. The dosages and frequencies are inappropriate for effective outcome of drug use, and may cause dependence and undesirable consequences. Our task is to elevate the awareness of the students which use methylphenidate, to put a question “Should they use it?”. ”If this is really worth it?” and to decrease the notable abuse of this drug among the students.