Methylphenidate Misuse in Substance Abusing Adolescents

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Abstract
This study determined the change in prevalence of methylphenidate misuse over the last four years in adolescents assessed at an outpatient substance abuse treatment facility. A review of 240 charts randomly selected from 1,183 patient records of assessments during 1992–1996 was done. Chi square and logistic regression were used in analysis. The sample was 74% male; 63% white, 36% African American; 11–20 years of age (mean 15.6 years). Five percent of the sample was assessed in 1992, 19% in 1993, 28% in 1994, 26% in 1995, and 22% in 1996. There was a significant increase in methylphenidate misuse over the last 2.5 years (2% 1992–1993, 12% 1994–1996) (p = 0.02). This increase was greatest in white adolescents (3% in 1992–1993, 20% in 1994–1996) (p = 0.009). There was no significant gender difference in methylphenidate misuse or association with a specific drug of choice. Misuse of other prescription or over-the-counter medications did not change. There has been a significant increase in methylphenidate misuse, especially in white adolescents. Treatment with methylphenidate in adolescents at risk of substance misuse should be considered carefully.

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