Glutamate and dopamine in the VTA participate differently in the acute and chronic effect of methylphenidate.

Psychostimulants such as methylphenidate (MPD) have long been the treatment of choice in behavioral disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in both children and adults. However, its abuse by healthy children and adults for academic enhancement or recreation is on the rise. This raises concern for brain chemistry alteration leading to dependence during a period of neuroplasticity and brain development.