Mouse Study Suggests Ritalin May Be Addictive

A study on the popular ADHD drug, Ritalin, showed that the drug caused changes in the brain cells of mice similar to those seen with cocaine.

A recent mouse study conducted on the addictive effects of Ritalin discovered that chronic exposure to Ritalin in high doses could prove addictive. Results showed addictive properties of methylphenidate, Ritalin, is similar to cocaine and implied that chronic exposure may lead to addiction.

However, the doses used on mice were much higher than those normally used to treat children with ADHD.

Experts point out that a recent study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that children who are prescribed medications for ADHD are no more likely than other young adults their age to abuse drugs and alcohol. Experts also note that untreated ADHD sufferers are at higher risk for substance abuse in adulthood than those who are treated with medication for ADHD. The study did highlight the need for more research into Ritalin's long-term effects when used to treat attention deficit disorder.

Read more about this Ritalin study.