Analysis of the use of methylphenidate by medical school admission candidates and undergraduates in a São Paulo state municipality
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2236-918X-7-6-1Keywords:
Methylphenidate, students, non-prescribed useAbstract
Introduction: There is an indiscriminate use of methylphenidate by medical school admission candidates and undergraduates with the aim of improving academic performance. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of students using methylphenidate and side effects associated with the irregular use of this drug in subjects not affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: This was a cross-sectional study in which questionnaires were administered to students attending a university admission preparatory course (Intertexto Poliedro) and to undergraduate students attending the first three years of medical school at Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes. Results: A total of 48 medical school admission candidates and 154 medical undergraduates were assessed (25 in the first year, 59 in the second year, and 51 in the third year; 19 did not specify the year). The overall mean age was 20.7 years, and the prevalence of methylphenidate use in the sample was 13.3%, even though the use of other stimulants was also reported, e.g., caffeine, sibutramine, and ecstasy. Most of the students who had used methylphenidate did not have ADHD (63%), but used the drug to improve their academic performance. Side effects and increased dosage with continued use were also reported. Conclusion: There was an expressive consumption of non-prescribed methylphenidate among the university admission candidates and undergraduate students assessed, compatible with the literature.
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