The number of South Korean teenagers prescribed methylphenidate, a medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), increased by approximately 26% in the past year. (Image courtesy of Kobiz Media)
SEOUL, Jul. 17 (Korea Bizwire) – The number of South Korean teenagers prescribed methylphenidate, a medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), increased by approximately 26% in the past year, according to data released by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on July 16.
Commonly mischaracterized as a “study-enhancing drug,” methylphenidate was prescribed to 86,086 patients in their teens last year, up from 68,288 the previous year – an increase of 17,798 patients.
Methylphenidate, a psychostimulant that enhances concentration and alertness, requires careful administration, especially among adolescents.
The upward trend in prescriptions was not limited to teenagers. All age groups under 50 saw an increase in methylphenidate prescriptions over the same period.
Among patients in their 20s, prescriptions rose by 16,157 to reach 70,758. For those in their 30s, the number increased by 13,126 to 45,316.
Even children under 10 saw a significant increase, with prescriptions rising by 8,199 to 39,653. The 40s age group experienced an increase of 4,032, bringing the total to 17,522.
Only the 50 and above age group saw a decrease, with prescriptions falling by 237 to 20,581.
In response to these trends, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced a joint inspection initiative with 17 local governments. Running until July 31, the inspection will target 60 medical institutions, including those with high methylphenidate prescription rates and facilities suspected of enabling patients to obtain anesthetics like propofol through multiple hospital visits.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
