Methylphenidate Misuse in Adults: Survey of 414 Primary Care Physicians in Germany and Comparison with the Literature ()
ABSTRACT
Objectives: This
paper deals with the methylphenidate (MPH) misuse by adults in Germany. Results
of a survey among primary care physicians/internists have been supplemented by a
comparison with the literature. Methods: In the period from October
5-20, 2015, a survey was sent to 414 primary care physicians/internists in four
German cities (n = 10 were undeliverable). The response rate was 58% (n = 235).
34 original works on MPH abuse worldwide were found in the literature and are
used in the analysis of the present data situation. The literature published
before November 9, 2015 is considered in this paper. Results: 14% of the
doctors who took part in the survey said that they had been asked for MPH
prescriptions without any medical indication. The most frequent reason given
for the request (42%) was adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
not verified by documents. According to the comparison with the literature,
university students had a lifetime prevalence of MPH misuse ranging from 0.8%
to 16.6% and school children had a misuse rate of 4.0%. In the civilian US
population, the misuse rate was 4.2%. Among patients in possession of a current
MPH prescription due to a diagnosis, the lifetime prevalence was 29% and among
adolescents with suspected alcohol and/or drug problems 20%. Conclusions: MPH misuse is a major problem which has not been studied sufficiently. MPH
misuse not only plays a role in the field of psychiatry, but also in other
disciplines. Misuse particularly following a therapeutic prescription should be
taken into account.
Share and Cite:
Thier, R. and Gresser, U. (2017) Methylphenidate Misuse in Adults: Survey of 414 Primary Care Physicians in Germany and Comparison with the Literature.
Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science,
7, 180-209. doi:
10.4236/jbbs.2017.74015.