Author:

• Claudia Itaborahy - Itaborahy, C. - Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Instituto de Medicina Social, UERJ - <claudiaitaborahy@gmail.com>

Co-author(s):

• Francisco Ortega - Francisco Ortega - Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Instituto de Medicina Social, UERJ - <fjortega2@gmail.com>

Thematic Area:

Assistência Farmacêutica

Abstract:

Methylphenidate is frequently associated to Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, this psychostimulant has been merchandized since the 1950s in Switzerland, Germany and USA. After its association with ADHD Ritalin has become the world widest used psychostimulant.
The object of this article is to present the results of an analysis of publications concerning the use of Methylphenidate in Brazil over a decade. It aims to understand how the information is presented or omitted in the different printed materials. Therefore most important Brazilian psychiatric journals as well as major Brazilian newspapers and magazines for the general public for the period 1998-2008 were analyzed.
One important point resulted from the analysis of the empirical material was the participation of pharmaceutical laboratories in the funding of research groups on ADHD. The findings show several controversial issues in the publications such as the combination of drugs and psychotherapy, issues of addiction and overprescription.

Keywords:

Methylphenidate Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder Publications

Content:

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