Academic Performance Pressure and Methylphenidate Consumption: Insights From Wastewater-Based Epidemiology
Natan Van Wichelen1, Tim Boogaerts1, Guido Van Hal2
1Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
None:
Methylphenidate (MPH), a first-line treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is increasingly debated for its use for cognitive enhancement by university/college students without an ADHD diagnosis. However, current knowledge relies on self-reported data, while consumption-based data remain limited. This wastewater-based epidemiology study assessed MPH consumption at population level by measuring ritalinic acid (a urinary MPH consumption biomarker) in influent wastewater samples (n = 679) across 2021 and 2022 in two Belgian cities, Leuven and Brussels. Afterwards, these data were triangulated with available survey data collected by students. In Leuven, where university/college students comprise 55% of the population, MPH consumption doubled during exam periods and rose markedly during exam preparation periods. In Brussels, where students comprise only 7%, fluctuations were minimal. These findings suggest a strong link between academic performance pressure and MPH use, supported by survey data. Given associated health risks, targeted pharmacovigilance and public health interventions among students are needed.
More Related Videos
10:17High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
08:33Experimental Protocol for Examining Behavioral Response Profiles in Larval Fish: Application to the Neuro-stimulant Caffeine
Published on: July 24, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Impact of Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Models: Regulatory Decisions
Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics: Dependence of Elimination Half-Life and Dose Clearance
A study on guinea pigs examined the...
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Analysis of Population Pharmacokinetic Data
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
