The results of a new study about the use of medications such as Ritalin have been shocking. As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald on January 24, 2011, the findings show a giant increase in the amount of Ritalin and associated medications in the last decade. In just the last seven years, the number has gone up 300 percent.
The Study
James Scott, the leader of the study, looked at the prescriptions of all stimulant drugs to treat ADHD among Australians between the years 2002 and 2009. He found there was an 87 percent increase in prescriptions for Australians during this time. Males, more than females, seemed to be the biggest receivers of this medication.
According to Dr. Scott, much fo the huge increase was fueled by the use of methylphenidate, including Ritalin, due to new subsidies from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Overall, Australians saw a 300 percent increase in the amount used to treat disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The Use of Ritalin
Ritalin, and its related medications, are mainly used to treat mental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. More boys than girls tend to be prescribed these medications simply because they tend to show more symptoms than girls. Symptoms include things such as difficulty paying attention, inability to stay on task, procrastination, and forgetfulness.
Medications such as Ritalin help by acting like stimulants to the central-nervous-system. People who take these medications find they are less restless and better able to focus and pay attention to things. Ritalin also stimulates the brain's release of dopamine, a hormone that helps one side of the brain communicate with the other.
Do More People Need Ritalin?
Though the results of this study seem shocking, Dr. Scott feels the numbers are accurate. According to him, one in five people in Australia suffer from some sort of ADHD and require medication to help treat the disorder. However, only 1 per cent of boys and 0.5 per cent of girls aged between 10 and 14 have actually been prescribed the medications. This leaves room for more people who need prescriptions to stimulents such as Ritalin to increase.
'About five to 10 per cent of the population has ADHD so these rates are not extraordinarily high,' Scott said.
Despite Scott's assurances, Jon Jureidini, a longtime critic of psychiatric medication overuse, feels the increased rates are still troubling. He worries that people with only mild forms of ADHD are being prescribed medications that they could function without. Jureidini warns that there is little evidence for improved outcomes of life for these people who take these prescription medications.
Good or bad, the number of people being treated through stimulant medications such as Ritalin is increasing. Australia may soon find itself with a large population being medicated for mental issues through the prescription use of Ritalin.
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