Use of methylphenidate among medical residents in Paraná

Authors

Abstract

Medical residency programs are characterized by intense workloads and high demands, favoring the use
of substances to sustain cognitive performance. This cross-sectional and quantitative study investigated
the prevalence and repercussions of methylphenidate use among first-year medical residents in Paraná.
81 residents (6.37% of the estimated population) responded to an online questionnaire addressing
sociodemographic data, the use and effects of methylphenidate hydrochloride, and the DASS-21 scale.
The prevalence of use was 25.9%, with the main objectives being to increase concentration (66.7%) and
to reduce fatigue (38.1%). Among the adverse effects, tachycardia (52.4%) and anxiety (38.1%) stood out.
A significant association was found between methylphenidate use and higher stress levels (p=0.009).
The use of stimulants showed subjective benefits but was also associated with negative impacts on mental
health, indicating the need for educational and institutional actions to discourage its non-medical use.

Keywords:

Methylphenidate, Residency, Cognition/drug effects, Methylphenidate. Medical staff, hospital. Cognition.

Author Biographies

Julia Schuster Dalacorte, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa/PR, Brasil.

Julia Schuster Dalacorte – Graduanda – juliaschusterdalacorte@gmail.com
0009-0000-9366-2924

Letícia Alves de Oliveira, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa/PR, Brasil.

Leticia Alves de Oliveira – Graduanda – leehauffe@hotmail.com
0009-0004-8199-3987

Roberta Rafaelle Dalzotto, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa/PR, Brasil.

Roberta Rafaelle Dalzotto – Graduanda – rafaelledalzotto26@gmail.com
0009-0002-4763-7001

Gabriella Cristina Chicalski, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa/PR, Brasil.

Gabriella Cristina Chicalski – Graduanda – gabichicalski@gmail.com
0009-0001-5138-4724

Felício de Freitas Netto, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa/PR, Brasil.

Felício de Freitas Netto – Mestrando – feliciofnetto@gmail.com
0000-0002-1274-1979

Tatiana Menezes Garcia Cordeiro, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa/PR, Brasil.

Tatiana Menezes Garcia Cordeiro – Mestre – tatimenezes@uepg.br
0000-0002-9027-320X

Vol. 34 (2026): Continuous publication

Published:

2026-07-28

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-803420264197PT

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How to Cite

1.
Schuster Dalacorte J, Alves de Oliveira L, Rafaelle Dalzotto R, Cristina Chicalski G, de Freitas Netto F, Menezes Garcia Cordeiro T. Use of methylphenidate among medical residents in Paraná. Rev. Bioét. [Internet]. 2026 Jul. 28 [cited 2026 Aug. 24];34. Available from: https://revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/4197

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