FIELD STUDY ON THE CONSUMPTION OF METHYLPHENIDATE BY MEDICAL STUDENTS: ASSOCIATED FACTORS AND PERCEPTIONS

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595242511061

• Palavras-chave: Central Nervous System Stimulants; University Students; Substance Use Disorders; Self-medication.

• Keywords: Central Nervous System Stimulants; University Students; Substance Use Disorders; Self-medication.

• Abstract:

  The use of psychostimulants in academia, especially among medical students, has become a growing practice in the face of pressure for high cognitive performance. Methylphenidate, marketed as Ritalin, stands out as one of the most widely used substances for this purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, motivations and perceptions of methylphenidate use among medical students at the Universidad Central del Paraguay. The cross-sectional, quantitative and qualitative study involved 214 students. The data was obtained through an electronic questionnaire and statistically analyzed. The results indicated that 62.7% of the participants had already used substances for cognitive enhancement, with Ritalin being the most cited (36.7%). The majority of users reported sporadic use, generally motivated by tests, tiredness or the search for concentration. Adverse effects such as anxiety, insomnia and tachycardia were frequently reported. Despite the perception of improved performance on the part of some students, the majority recognized the risks associated with continuous, non-prescribed use, including addiction and damage to mental health. The research also highlighted a gap in the institutional role in terms of guidance and prevention of the misuse of these drugs. We conclude that the non-therapeutic use of methylphenidate is a worrying practice with ethical, academic and public health implications, and that it is necessary to implement educational and regulatory strategies in the university environment.