Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine believe that the use of the drug Ritalin, more formerly known as the stimulant drug methylphenidate, can be used in combination with cognitive behavioural rehabilitation to help individuals who are suffering from traumatic brain injury, more commonly known as TBI. The combination improved episodic and working memory, and as well as executive functioning in the participants.
Ritalin and therapy isn’t just a treatment for ADHD anymore. It’s being used in this new way.
Stimulant and non-stimulant medication still remains to be in debate.
A total of 71 adult participants were evaluated in the six week trial. Those studied experienced at least a mild form of traumatic brain injury four months prior to the research, and also experienced cognitive difficulty. While a few smaller studies have looked at how methylphenidate helps with attention and main function after traumatic brain injury, this was the first one to analyze it in combination with therapy.
Key takeaways
- Ritalin shows progress is helping people with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- The research on Ritalin has shown that it assists with even cognitive issues that come with cancer.
- The study is in the early phases. However, it looks promising as another use for Ritalin makes itself available.
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