Leading US academic tells Student BMJ Ritalin use in students is acceptable

A leading US academic, Professor Martha Farah, told the Student BMJ that it is acceptable for students to take the prescription medicine Ritalin to get a study boost. Illegal use of Ritalin is on the rise across US campuses, with more and more students reporting taking the stimulant. The drug, best known for treating people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), enhances attention and increases the ability to focus and ignore distractions. Possible side effects include insomnia, night terrors, and tremors, as well as dependence and tolerance. But Professor Farah, director of the …