Final answer:
Methylphenidate is prescribed to individuals with ADHD because it acts as a CNS stimulant, which paradoxically helps to increase focus and decrease impulsiveness by enhancing neurotransmitter activity in specific areas of the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
An adolescent client diagnosed with ADHD inquiring why methylphenidate was prescribed should understand that it is prescribed due to its desired effect as a CNS stimulant. Methylphenidate is a medication that is often used in the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. Despite being a stimulant, it helps to increase focus and alertness while decreasing appetite, the need for sleep, and impulsivity in patients with ADHD. This can seem counterintuitive since ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity; however, stimulant medications induce therapeutic effects by increasing neurotransmitter activity within certain brain areas, such as the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia, which are associated with impulse control. Brand names for methylphenidate include Ritalin, Concerta, and Daytrana.