Thousands of students and school children should use it.
But their parents may not even be aware that their children are using powerful “smart drugs” to get them through dreaded exam periods.
This is because there is often no obvious evidence that a youngster is taking pills like Ritalin and Adderall, which cost as little as £2 and can have dangerous side effects such as increased heart rate, anxiety and weight loss.
But dr Samantha Miller, an NHS doctor based in Scotland, has told MailOnline how parents can tell if their child is using addictive substances.
A change in eating habits, energy levels, and focus on learning could all be red flags, she said.
A 2021 survey by the Office for National Statistics found that 37% of first-year students in England reported experiencing depression and anxiety symptoms
dr Miller, also a Medical Associate at DrugHelpline, said parents who notice their child’s appetite loss, for example because they are eating smaller portions at mealtimes or not wanting to eat at all, should raise the issue of the study drugs “without judgment.”
That’s because a class of study drugs called amphetamines are known to have this effect, she said.
They inhibit the release of neuropeptide Y – a chemical messenger released by the brain – which normally stimulates a person’s hunger.
Another visible change might be that they have lost weight.
However, it can be normal for weight and appetite to vary.
Another warning sign of stimulant use is that a child may have more energy than normal, said Dr. Miller.
She said, “Stimulant drugs increase a person’s alertness and alertness.”
“If you notice your child staying up late at night or waking up earlier in the morning to study, especially for a child who is not normally awake at these times, it may increase the possibility of illicit drug use.”
Over-focus on academic activities is another red flag that could indicate a child is taking concentration-enhancing drugs like methylphenidate or Ritalin.
While many children tend to learn more during exam time, according to Dr. Miller important to recognize if they study for long periods of time without a break.
Stimulant drugs alter the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, making it easier to stay focused for longer, she said.
For this reason, they are distributed to people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Study drugs also improve cognitive processing – it is claimed that they allow a child to understand or learn more complex topics in less time.
according to dr Miller, a child may therefore be able to sit at a desk and study for hours, even though they used to feel tired at some point.
She cautioned this study Medications have not been thoroughly studied for their supposed brain-boosting effects and are known to have numerous negative effects.
Both Adderall and Ritalin can potentially cause increased heart rate, palpitations, increased blood pressure, anxiety, and drastic weight loss.
When taken as directed, these drugs are not addictive.
But many of those who abuse them take significantly higher doses or crush and snort the pills, making them more effective.
When taken in this manner, the drug can be addictive while also increasing the risk of triggering sleep problems, anxiety, and even heart damage.
Mental health problems among students in the UK are on the rise, with doing well on coursework and exams, keeping up with studies and time management as the top sources of stress, according to charities.
To boost their achievements, record-breaking students are turning to the study of medicines.
The pills have been popular in the United States since the 1990s.
dr Miller warned that the added stress of exam time can leave many students dependent on drugs to cope.
However, she advised parents to help their children “without judgment.”
She said, “Be open about perceived exam stress and discuss alternative strategies to improve concentration, such as peer review or study groups.”
“It can be useful to involve your child’s school and general practitioner if necessary.”
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