Is Ritalin Overprescribed to Kids Who Have ADHD?

What is Ritalin exactly?

Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) is a central nervous system stimulant medication prescribed for people who have ADHD. It is also used for the treatment of narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.

Ritalin is thought to work by increasing attention and decreasing impulsiveness associated with ADHD. It does this by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

In addition, Ritalin is a Schedule II federally controlled substance because it can be misused and may lead to a substance use disorder. It’s unlawful to sell or distribute the medication to people who don’t have a prescription.

Still, according to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 1 million people in the United States misuse prescription stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall.

More prescriptions than patients in the U.S.?

Additional data suggests the United States accounts for less than 5% of the world’s population but 83.1% of the global volume of ADHD medications in circulation.

The average prescription is 5 to 10 milligrams for kids and 20 to 30 milligrams for adults.

In 2016, Vermont ranked as the highest state for methylphenidate use. It was estimated that, based on the prescriptions of that year, there was so much that every Vermont resident could have taken 121.24 milligrams of methylphenidate.

For comparison, Nevada ranked as the state with the lowest consumption, with an estimated 19.70 milligrams per resident in 2016.

Stats on prescription

The exact numbers of children prescribed Ritalin are difficult to pinpoint. However, according to 2016 CDC data, 2016 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, and 2019 drug use statistics, prescription rates of stimulant medications in the United States are as follows:

Stats on stimulant use disorder

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) data estimate that in 2016, around 540,000 people ages 12 or older had a stimulant use disorder. Of those:

• 56,000 were adolescents ages 12 to 17
• 170,000 were young adults ages 18 to 25
• 315,000 were adults ages 26 or older

Ritalin misuse

The 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health report found that about 60% of the adolescents and young adults surveyed claimed they bought or received the medications from a friend or relative.

Interestingly, Adderall may be a more popular choice than Ritalin for misuse among young adults.

“Jared,” a 21-year-old college student who prefers to remain anonymous, told Psych Central:

“From what I’ve seen, kids in my generation get their hands on Adderall more so than Ritalin. They can go to a healthcare [professional] and claim to have symptoms and easily get a prescription.”

Jared adds, “It is also something that people can sell to other kids around them — which is a common occurrence among college students. During exams, half the room of kids are on Adderall typically… they either take the pills or crush the pills up and snort them for faster results.”

Elliot Reimers, a sports medicine certified nutrition coach in Idaho Springs, Colorado, says, “Studies have shown that those who took Ritalin and did not have ADHD suffered from less-than-ideal side effects, including sleep disruption and changes in brain chemistry.”

However, it’s worth noting that some research on Ritalin’s effects has been performed on animals rather than humans.

Arguments for and against Ritalin prescriptions

Despite the potential for misuse, Ritalin and other stimulant medications are considered an effective treatment option for people with ADHD. Still, there are a few things to consider before seeking a prescription for yourself or your child.

“Medications like Ritalin can be life-saving for both children and parents alike, but it is important that they do not replace good nutrition and exercise,” Reimers says.

He suggests that healthcare professionals consider having their patients properly tested and seek a second opinion before prescribing Ritalin. Reimers points to Ritalin’s potential to increase a person’s risk of high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and the development of new mental health conditions.

Effects in adults who took Ritalin as a child

Although Ritalin and other stimulant medications are generally safe for short-term use, their long-term effects aren’t fully understood.

However, a 2017 study suggests that some adults who took Ritalin as a child may have lower GABA levels in their brain. Lower levels of this neurotransmitter may cause symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Let’s recap

Ritalin and other stimulant medications do help children and adults manage their ADHD symptoms. However, research and real-world experiences indicate that these meds are far too easily available in the United States and that people with and without ADHD misuse them.

These medications can cause harmful side effects and carry the risk of dependency or substance use disorder. So, it’s critical to go through the steps necessary to receive a proper diagnosis before obtaining a prescription.

For people who take Ritalin, it’s also important to follow up with the prescribing healthcare professional to ensure the benefits continue to outweigh the risks during treatment.