PROLONGED USE OF METHYLPHENIDATE IN CHILDREN WITH ADHD IN BRAZIL: ADVERSE EFFECTS BASED ON DATASUS DATA

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, commonly diagnosed in childhood. In Brazil, a significant increase in the prescription of methylphenidate, the main pharmacological treatment for ADHD, has been observed in recent years. This study aimed to analyze adverse effects associated with long-term methylphenidate use in Brazilian children using secondary data from the Brazilian Unified Health System database (DATASUS) between 2018 and 2024. This is a documentary, descriptive, and quantitative study based on records of medication dispensing and hospital notifications related to adverse drug events. The findings demonstrate a progressive increase in methylphenidate dispensing over the analyzed period, accompanied by a rise in reported adverse effects, particularly sleep disturbances, cardiovascular alterations, and appetite loss. In addition, the study theoretically discusses, based on the scientific literature, the influence of external factors such as diagnostic errors, excessive screen time, and parental absence on the ADHD diagnostic context; however, these factors were not directly analyzed as study variables. The results highlight the need for stricter diagnostic criteria and continuous clinical monitoring to ensure safer and more appropriate pharmacological management in childhood.