Consequences of long-term use of methylphenidate in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder and defined as a neurobehavioral syndrome. The most applied treatment to treat the symptoms of ADHD is the use of methylphenidate. It was proposed to carry out in this article, a systematic review which used databases such as PubMed, Lilacs, Cochrane Library and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), being chosen 13 articles published between 2016 and 2022, which addressed the effects associated with the prolonged use of methylphenidate in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and which the descriptors used in the research were found in MeSH and DeCs. The aim of the study was to ensure the understanding of the effects of the drug Methylphenidate, in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD. As a result, it was seen that methylphenidate satisfactorily reduces symptoms, but an alert should be introduced about the risk of drug abuse, due to adverse effects such as weight loss, abdominal pain, depression, tachycardia and headache. The drug does not show improvement in the cognitive performance of people who do not have the disorder, it does not increase the risk of congenital malformations, only if used during pregnancy and, the drug in association with a multidisciplinary team, reduces hyperactivity, impulsivity and improves performance. of children with ADHD. Although the symptoms of ADHD are improved with the correct use of medication, in diagnosed patients, there is hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, mild hyponatremia and elevation of the leukocyte count. Thus, there is a need for more in-depth approaches related to the subject, for a better understanding and practical approach.