Wastewater-based epidemiology demonstrates increased methylphenidate use during exam periods in university students, indicating academic stress implications.
Methylphenidate (MPH), a first‐line treatment for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is increasingly debated for its use for cognitive enhancement by university/college students without an ADHD diagnosis. However, current knowledge relies on self‐reported data, while consumption‐based data remain limited. This wastewater‐based epidemiology study assessed MPH consumption at population level by measuring ritalinic acid (a urinary MPH consumption biomarker) in influent wastewater samples ( n = 679) across 2021 and 2022 in two Belgian cities, Leuven and Brussels. Afterwards, these data were triangulated with available survey data collected by students. In Leuven, where university/college students comprise 55% of the population, MPH consumption doubled during exam periods and rose markedly during exam preparation periods. In Brussels, where students comprise only 7%, fluctuations were minimal. These findings suggest a strong link between academic performance pressure and MPH use, supported by survey data. Given associated health risks, targeted pharmacovigilance and public health interventions among students are needed.
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Wichelen et al. (2026) studied this question.
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