In recent years, the consumption of Ritalin, a drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has skyrocketed in Switzerland. According to recent reports, consumption has multiplied in recent decades, particularly among children and adolescents. This trend raises questions not only about the reasons for this increase, but also about the long-term effects of the increasing use of psychostimulants.
Is Ritalin supposed to work? What is it used for?
Ritalin, which contains the active ingredient methylphenidate, is a medication prescribed for the treatment of ADHD. It helps those affected to improve their attention and impulse control. While the drug helps many people with ADHD to focus better on everyday tasks, there are concerns about the long-term effects, particularly in children who are treated for many years.
Why is Ritalin consumption increasing so much?
According to reports in the NZZ and Blick, the significant increase in Ritalin use is attributed to various factors. On the one hand, ADHD diagnoses are being made more frequently, which points to increased awareness and improved diagnostic tools. On the other hand, it is assumed that the increasing pressure to perform at school and in everyday life is leading more parents and teachers to consider treatment. It is particularly noteworthy that the increase in use is not only due to the pandemic, but also to deeper societal trends.
20min emphasizes that in addition to the increased frequency of ADHD diagnoses, adults are also increasingly being treated with Ritalin. This development shows that ADHD is not just a childhood disease, but also affects adults who may only be diagnosed later in life.
Critical view of the increase
The boom in Ritalin consumption is also attracting criticism. Many experts warn against overmedication and question whether drug treatments are always necessary. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) is also looking closely at the issue and stresses that alternative treatment approaches such as behavioral therapy and psychological support should not be ignored.
It is particularly important to weigh up the different forms of treatment. In addition to medication, there are also effective non-pharmacological approaches, such as the Warnke method, which plays a central role at MediTECH. The Warnke method helps people with ADHD to improve their self-regulation and concentration without having to rely on medication.
A look into the future
It remains to be seen how the use of Ritalin will develop over the next few years. While drugs such as Ritalin are a valuable aid for many people with ADHD, long-term solutions should not only focus on drug treatments. Holistic approaches that promote self-regulation and strengthen individual potential will become increasingly important in the future.
Innovative solutions such as the Brain-Boy, a training device to promote central auditory processing and concentration, play a key role here. The new Body and Mind app, which is specifically geared towards biofeedback and neurofeedback training for relaxation and self-regulation, also offers promising, non-drug support for ADHD sufferers. MediTECH also offers a wide range of other products tailored to the individual needs of people with ADHD. These solutions help to achieve long-term success and sustainably improve quality of life.
Further Information:
- Blick: Boomendes ADHS-Medikament: Ritalin-Konsum nimmt sprunghaft zu
- 20 Minuten: ADHS: Sprunghafter Anstieg von Ritalin-Konsum
- Bundesamt für Gesundheit: Forschung zu nichtübertragbaren Krankheiten
- NZZ: Zahl der Ritalin-Verschreibungen steigt stark an – nicht nur wegen der Pandemie
You can find more information about our products on the MediTECH Website.
Sharp rise in Ritalin use - A look at ADHD in Switzerland