Cognitive Enhancement Drug Use Among Future Physicians: Findings from a Multi-Institutional Census of Medical Students

Emanuel, Robyn M.; Frellsen, Sandra L.; Kashima, Kathleen; Sanguino, Sandra M.; Sierles, Frederick S.; Lazarus, Cathy J.

doi:10.1007/s11606-012-2249-4

Cited by 85 publications

(100 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Using the randomized response technique (RRT) in a paper-and-pencil survey among 2 569 students in Germany, the estimated 12-month prevalence of cognitive-enhancing drug use (stimulant drugs, caff eine tablets, cocaine, methylphenidate and mephedrone) was found to be 20 % [ 10 ] . The lifetime prevalence for the non-medical usage of psychostimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine salts was found to be 18 % in an online survey of 2 732 medical students in the USA [ 11 ] . Future representative studies in Switzerland will reveal if our data concerning the number of CEusers are biased.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Neuroenhancement among Swiss Students – A Comparison of Users and Non-Users

Ott

Biller‐Andorno

2013

Pharmacopsychiatry

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Introduction: This survey aims to contribute to the current discussion about neuroenhancement by comparing cognitive enhancer(s) (CE) users with CE non-users with a focus on their characteristics and attitudes. Methods: An online survey was sent out to all undergraduate and graduate students of the University of Z?rich who allow such e-mails (n=8?642), accompanied by advertisement for the survey in lectures. 1?765 students completed the survey, which was about healthy people?s use of Ritalin, Adderall and/or Modasomil to increase concentration and/or alertness. A complementary paper-and-pencil survey (n=97 students, response rate: 95.1%) was also carried out in order to compare data. Results: Non-therapeutic CE users (6.2%) were more often male, considered religion to be of less importance and had more experience with drugs. CE had been taken for study purposes by 4.7% of all students. CE users had tried Ritalin most often, which about half of them received from friends and colleagues. The CE users had more reasons for and fewer concerns about taking CE than non-users. The most common reasons for both groups were ?the effects of learning quicker? and ?for finishing more work in less time?. The most common concerns for both groups were ?the worries about possible side effects? and ?the goal of CE to achieve more?, and ?an unnatural interference of such products with our bodies? (CE-users) or ?the gut feeling of not using such products? (CE non-users). Discussion: The comparison of CE users with CE non-users reveals insights about their attitudes, which will add to the understanding of why students take or could imagine taking such products.

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confidence: 99%

Neuroenhancement among Swiss Students – A Comparison of Users and Non-Users

Ott

Biller‐Andorno

2013

Pharmacopsychiatry

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“…Descriptions of formal wellness curricula have been published and should be studied for their effectiveness. 10 Too much is at stake for our patients and our learners to let warning signals, such as those demonstrated by the study from Emanuel and colleagues, 6 go unheeded.…”

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confidence: 99%

Cognitive Enhancement Drug Use Among Medical Students and Concerns About Medical Student Well-Being

Elnicki

2013

J GEN INTERN MED

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“…The danger of addiction to Ritalin® was regarded as lower than when taking illegal drugs [48]. Due to their own experience with misuse, 16% of medical students would prescribe stimulants more thoughtlessly in future [36].…”

Section: Consequences Of Methylphenidate Misusementioning

confidence: 99%

“…13) mentioned the fact that parents of children with ADHD diagnosis do not give their children methylphenidate over the weekend but sell this "saved" drug at the university. To date studies about MPH misuse have indicated an illegal market at schools and universities; however, only university students and school children giving away or selling methylphenidate have been mentioned in these studies [16] [24] [36] [37] [46] [56]. The fact that parents knowingly deprive their children of the drug-which is funded by the health insurance schemes-was not mentioned in any publication.…”

Section: Inquiries With Regard To Non-indicated Methylphenidate Prescmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Emanuel et al detected common psychostimulant misuse among medical students and argued for further studies on side effects, clinical implications and the intake during the years as an assistant doctor [36]. Nearly one fifth of medical students would prescribe stimulants more thoughtlessly to their own patients in future; consequently, further scientific consideration is needed [36].…”

Section: Consequences Of Methylphenidate Misusementioning

confidence: 99%

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Methylphenidate Misuse in Adults: Survey of 414 Primary Care Physicians in Germany and Comparison with the Literature

Thier¹,

Gresser²

2017

JBBS

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Objectives: This paper deals with the methylphenidate (MPH) misuse by adults in Germany. Results of a survey among primary care physicians/internists have been supplemented by a comparison with the literature. Methods: In the period from October 5-20, 2015, a survey was sent to 414 primary care physicians/internists in four German cities (n = 10 were undeliverable). The response rate was 58% (n = 235). 34 original works on MPH abuse worldwide were found in the literature and are used in the analysis of the present data situation. The literature published before November 9, 2015 is considered in this paper. Results: 14% of the doctors who took part in the survey said that they had been asked for MPH prescriptions without any medical indication. The most frequent reason given for the request (42%) was adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) not verified by documents. According to the comparison with the literature, university students had a lifetime prevalence of MPH misuse ranging from 0.8% to 16.6% and school children had a misuse rate of 4.0%. In the civilian US population, the misuse rate was 4.2%. Among patients in possession of a current MPH prescription due to a diagnosis, the lifetime prevalence was 29% and among adolescents with suspected alcohol and/or drug problems 20%. Conclusions: MPH misuse is a major problem which has not been studied sufficiently. MPH misuse not only plays a role in the field of psychiatry, but also in other disciplines. Misuse particularly following a therapeutic prescription should be taken into account.

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Cognitive Enhancement Drug Use Among Future Physicians: Findings from a Multi-Institutional Census of Medical Students

Abstract: Use of psychostimulants, including use without a prescription, is common among medical students. Further study of the side effects, medical implications, and use during post-graduate medical training and medical practice is needed to inform evidence-based policy.

Cited by 85 publications

References 26 publications

Neuroenhancement among Swiss Students – A Comparison of Users and Non-Users

Neuroenhancement among Swiss Students – A Comparison of Users and Non-Users

Cognitive Enhancement Drug Use Among Medical Students and Concerns About Medical Student Well-Being

Methylphenidate Misuse in Adults: Survey of 414 Primary Care Physicians in Germany and Comparison with the Literature

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