Prescrição de Metilfenidato: Justificativas e história clínica

Abstract

The prescription of methylphenidate has increased significantly for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and / or hyperactivity and impulsivity that mainly affects school-age children and adolescents, interfering in the functioning and / or development cognitive. The objective of this article is to describe the justifications and clinical histories used by physicians when prescribing methylphenidate. This is a descriptive study, with documentary sources, of a quantitative character on the prescription of methylphenidate via the Unified Health System in a municipality in the western region of Paraná. The justifications reported for the prescription have been carried out more frequently for individuals who have not shown clinical improvement when using other medications and for those who are already under treatment. As for the clinical history, the reasons listed most frequently were for the treatment of ADHD, hyperactivity and attention deficit. It is necessary to create public policies in order to avoid the exaggerated prescription of methylphenidate as well as, unwanted consequences on the health of individuals who, in fact, may not have the disorder.