JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The number of children and teens being exposed to medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is rising at an alarming rate, according to a study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.
READ MORE: Study: Unnecessary, accidental use of ADHD drugs up 60%
The study’s authors found a 64 percent increase in the number of calls involving kids and ADHD medication over the course of about 15 years.
The results have local doctors concerned about children.
Why the Increase in Exposures
As president of the DCMS Foundation, Dr. Sunil Joshi believes part of the uptick has to do with more doctors being willing to diagnose the condition, and in effect, write more prescriptions for the pills.
From there, they can get into the wrong hands.
More teens are willing to try medications meant to help them focus during final exams or college preparations. This trend, which has steadily gone up over the last 15 years, has Joshi concerned.
Two of the most common drugs for controlling ADHD are Ritalin and Adderall. Last year, educators in Duval County said these drugs were showing up in more Jacksonville schools.
What's concerning, said Joshi, is how easily teens who aren't supposed to have the pills can get ahold of them -- whether from a friend at school or a dealer on the street.
The results can be deadly.
Fears of Another Epidemic
With the opioid crisis dominating the headlines, Joshi's fear is that in the years to come, we could see yet another epidemic if something isn't done to stop the trend.
"A very similar thing could happen here with these ADHD medications that are being prescribed for the right reasons, but they've been prescribed in such high levels and now they're being sold on the street," said Joshi.
Exposure cases in Florida
According to The Poison Control Center, there have been 306 documented cases this year of accidental exposures in Florida with these types of drugs.
The Poison Control Center found hundreds of cases statewide of children who unintentionally or intentionally were exposed to methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamines and other related compounds.
- In 2014, there were 805 exposures
- In 2015, there were 805 exposures
- In 2016, there were 785 exposures
- In 2017, there were 846 exposures
- In 2018 (year to date), there are 306 exposures
More information can be found through Florida's Poison Control Centers website.