It seems that everyone is getting prescriptions for ADD drugs these days! Are doctors overprescribing them? My sister, who is a college student, was just prescribed Concerta (methylphenidate), but I don't believe that she really has ADD or ADHD. Could this be dangerous?

The number of children and adults being treated for ADD or ADHD with medications continues to increase. In some parts of the country it is increasing at a faster rate than in others. There have been concerns that medicines are overprescribed, and that they are inappropriately used. A thorough assessment is necessary for a determination to be made as to whether medication — or, for that matter, any type of treatment support, or intervention — is warranted. It is also important to keep in mind that belief, while a valuable ally in the absence of fact, can sometimes be dangerous.

You may not believe your sister has ADHD, but only a qualified professional who conducts a thorough evaluation can make that determination. Whether taking stimulants if you don’t have ADHD is problematic is a different question. Stimulants in and of themselves are performance enhancers, which is why products containing caffeine (a stimulant) are so popular. A response to stimulants (for example, “I study better after I drink a cup of coffee”) cannot be used to prove or disprove the presence of ADHD in a particular individual.

Learn more in the Everyday Health ADD/ADHD Center.