Increase in ADHD Drug Use Among College Students

Trends in Cognitive Enhancement

Recent research indicates a significant rise in the consumption of ADHD medications among college students aiming to boost their cognitive abilities. This trend raises the question: do drugs like Ritalin provide benefits for those without ADHD?

The Rise of “Study Drugs”

The practice of using prescription medications, along with alcohol and illicit drugs, to enhance academic performance is increasingly prevalent among students. Notably, individuals without ADHD are using ADHD medications specifically for this purpose, leading to their classification as “study drugs.”

Statistics on Usage

Data suggests that between 5% and 35% of college students in the United States and Europe misuse ADHD medications. However, comprehensive studies examining the effects of these drugs on students who do not have ADHD are still lacking.

Research Findings on Cognitive Enhancement

Global Drug Survey Insights

A pioneering study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy reveals a growing trend in the use of pharmacological agents for cognitive enhancement across various countries. This research utilized data from a global drug survey, which gathers anonymous information on substance use patterns, motivations, and associated risks. The survey first addressed cognitive enhancement in 2015, with follow-up questions in 2017. Results indicated that non-ADHD individuals experienced notable cognitive benefits from ADHD medications.

Study by University of Rhode Island and Brown University

In contrast, a recent study by researchers at the University of Rhode Island and Brown University suggests that while ADHD medications can enhance attention and focus—common effects of stimulants—they do not improve performance on neurocognitive tasks. The findings were published in the journal Pharmacy.

Methodology of the Study

The research involved 13 students from both universities, who were administered either Adderall (an ADHD medication) or a placebo, with neither the participants nor the researchers aware of which treatment was given. The results confirmed that while Adderall did enhance attention and focus, it did not lead to improved performance in tasks assessing short-term memory, reading comprehension, and fluency.

Theoretical Insights from the Study

Lisa Weyandt, a co-investigator of the study, offers a theory regarding the medication’s effect on working memory. Brain imaging studies indicate that individuals with ADHD show decreased activity in brain regions responsible for working memory, attention, and self-control. ADHD patients benefit from these drugs as they enhance activity in these areas, normalizing their brain function.

Implications for Non-ADHD Individuals

For those without ADHD, these brain regions are already functioning normally, suggesting that ADHD medications may not yield cognitive benefits. In fact, they could potentially impair cognitive abilities and working memory. This implies that a pre-existing deficit is necessary for individuals to gain benefits from ADHD medications.

Effects on Mood and Bodily Responses

The study found that ADHD medications have more pronounced effects on mood and physiological responses in individuals without ADHD. While these drugs may elevate mood and increase heart rate and blood pressure, they are also linked to negative impacts on cognition and working memory.

Need for Further Research

Larger studies are necessary to expand understanding of ADHD medication use among college students who do not have ADHD.

References

Maier LJ, Ferris JA, Winstock AR. Pharmacological cognitive enhancement among non-ADHD individuals-A cross-sectional study in 15 countries. Int J Drug Policy. 2018;58:104-112.
Study: ADHD drugs do not improve cognition in healthy college students [Internet]. Today.uri.edu. 2018 [cited 5 September 2018]. Available from: https://today.uri.edu/news/study-adhd-drugs-do-not-improve-cognition-in-healthy-college-students/