Individuals faking ADHD symptoms to receive stimulants from doctors

Individuals who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often need additional help to overcome the difficulties associated with their condition. Some use holistic means such as individual therapy, while others use medicine like Ritalin or Adderall to assist them in focusing on daily tasks.

However, some people are abusing the system and lying about symptoms in order to receive prescription medication, according to the station Fox 9 News.

A recent study from the Hennepin County Medical Center, located in Minnesota showed that 22 percent of 260 adult patients over a five year period exaggerated or faked ADHD symptoms when tested.

Stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are usually crushed up by abusers and then snorted or injected to achieve a euphoric feeling. Complications from dissolving the tablets in water can arise because insoluble fillers in the pills can block small blood vessels.

For individuals who suffer from stimulant abuse, boarding school may be an attractive option to overcome addiction. These learning institutions can offer individual therapy and recreational activities.

According to the 2009 Monitoring the Future survey, nearly 3.4 percent of high school students abused Ritalin in the year prior to the study.