Ritalin, Ritalout

Authors

  • Sam Seneviratne The Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, University of Leicester
  • Frances Tennant The Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, University of Leicester

Keywords:

TV programme, Biology, Ritalin, South Park

Abstract

This paper investigates the validity of the medical prescription, effects and antidote of Ritalin in the episode titled ‘Timmy 2000’ of the popular US animation series ‘South Park’ [1]. The TV show is seen to give some indication of what the desired effects and side effects may look like in children who are taking Ritalin. However, the diagnosis of the disorder, the specificity of a side effect and the effect of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) acting as a quickly and effective antidote to Ritalin is wholly misrepresented.

References

South Park Archives (2016) Timmy 2000. [online] Available at: http://southpark.wikia.com/wiki/Timmy_2000 [Accessed 13/03/2016].

Nhs.uk (2016). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - Diagnosis - NHS Choices. [online] Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/Pages/Diagnosis.aspx [Accessed 13/03/2016].

WebMD Boots (2016). ADHD in children. [online] Available at: http://www.webmd.boots.com/add-adhd/guide/adhd-children?page=2 [Accessed 13/03/2016].

Netdoctor (2013). Ritalin (methylphenidate). [online] Available at: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/adhd/a7484/ritalin-methylphenidate/ [Accessed 13/03/2016].

Hysek, C., Simmler, L., Schillinger, N., Meyer, N., Schmid, Y., Donzelli, M., Grouzmann, E. & Liechti, M. (2013) Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of methylphenidate and MDMA administered alone or in combination. The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 17(03), pp.371-381.

Drugs.com. (2016). Ritalin Dosage Guide - Drugs.com. [online] Available at: http://www.drugs.com/dosage/ritalin.html [Accessed 24/03/2016].

Porfirio, M., Giana, G., Giovinazzo, S. & Curatolo, P. (2011). Methylphenidate-Induced Visual Hallucinations. Neuropediatrics, 42(01), pp.30-31.

Calipari, E., Ferris, M., Salahpour, A., Caron, M. and Jones, S. (2013). Methylphenidate amplifies the potency and reinforcing effects of amphetamines by increasing dopamine transporter expression. Nature Communications, 4.

Verrico, C., Miller, G. & Madras, B. (2005). MDMA (Ecstasy) and human dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin transporters: implications for MDMA-induced neurotoxicity and treatment. Psychopharmacology, 189(4), pp.489-503.

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How to Cite

Seneviratne, S., & Tennant, F. (2017). Ritalin, Ritalout. Journal of Interdisciplinary Science Topics, 5. Retrieved from https://journals.le.ac.uk/index.php/jist/article/view/818

Issue

Vol. 5 (2016)

Section

Articles

License

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