Ritalin misuse is not acceptable

Editor -I was horrified to read the article about the use of the drug ritalin by US students and even worse the approval of its use by Professor Martha Farah.¹ Surely this is not acceptable. I do not understand Farah's logic of allowing the students to take the stimulant during the whole of the study year but not when taking examinations; why not during examinations when the students have not performed with their natural effort and ability throughout the whole year?

Students should be discouraged from taking the easy way out by just popping a pill and should be encouraged by peers or tutors to tackle properly any problems that they have. Fewer late nights out and fewer hangovers may improve students'ability to concentrate and remain focused.

What are the long term implications of this misuse? Has Farah considered them? Should these students keep taking ritalin throughout their working lives to remain focused and work to the best of their ability?

Why is coffee not prescribed? Its effects are not as dangerous as those caused by ritalin. Not only is Farah ignoring the welfare of students, but she is also, by not cracking down on the misuse of the drug, encouraging the growth of a black market. I am disappointed that a figure of authority, who has the ability to take action and do something, instead chooses to give her approval to drug misuse because she was guilty of having a coffee.

1. Tayal U. Leading US academic tells studentBMJ Ritalin use in students is acceptable. studentBMJ 2003;11:354. (October.)