ANALYSIS OF METHYLPHENIDATE (RITALIN®) INFORMATION RELEASED ON YOUTUBE VIDEOS
ANALYSIS OF METHYLPHENIDATE (RITALIN®) INFORMATION RELEASED ON YOUTUBE VIDEOS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21527/2176-7114.2021.43.11403Keywords:
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Audiovisual Aids, Methylphenidate, Drug UtilizationAbstract
This work aims to analyze the quality, type of information and the impact of YouTube videos on the medication methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin®) which, despite being indicated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has been used irrationally aiming at benefits in studies. The 60 most relevant videos on the topic were obtained using the keyword Ritalin, 2 videos were excluded because they did not discuss issues relevant to the use of the drug. The 58 videos obtained were analyzed and the information disclosed was compared with those contained in the product leaflet and in the Micromedex® database, as well as the type of information disclosed and the presence of health professionals or users of the medicine in the videos. In 33 videos (57%) there was the participation of health professionals who divulged correct information and discouraged the improper consumption of Ritalin. 9 videos (15%) also presented correct information, but were not released by health professionals. In videos with user reports, in 12 (21%), there were reports of use to improve intellectual performance, attributing properties to the medicine that were not scientifically proven. These numbers showed that most of the videos, totaling 46 (79%) seem not to compromise the correct use of the medication; however 12 videos (21%) encouraged the use of Ritalin as a stimulant for study and, therefore, represent a risk to rational use of medicines.
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