Harms and benefits of non-medical methylphenidate use among young adults: a scoping review of the literature

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background As approximately 5–35% of college students commonly use methylphenidate (MPD) as a cognitive enhancer, non-medical use is an area of concern. Young adults may underestimate the harm involved with non-medical use. This review examines potential benefits, harm, and dispositional factors involved in non-medical use of methylphenidate among young adults. Method This scoping literature review selected 42 relevant studies to explore potential benefits and harm of non-medical MPD use. Results Our results illustrate that MPD utilizes different neural pathways compared to other commonly used recreational stimulants, making it safer for use. However, the benefits associated with MPD appear to be misunderstood. There is no existing evidence of long-term benefit of MPD use among non-medical users in academic settings. There is risk of addiction or overdose from non-medical use, especially with short-term release forms of MPD. Though the risk of MPD-related sudden death is less than 0.01% in U.S. colleges, most studies identified by an existing review found similar characteristics in the reinforcing effects between MPD and d-amphetamine and cocaine. Conclusion The data shows minimal cognitive and academic benefit from the non-medical use of MPD, with a potential for academic stagnation and health risks.