Licit and Illicit Use of Medications for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Undergraduate College Students

Abstract

Drug use was associated with a lower GPA in ADHD-diagnosed students than in students without ADHD.

Do Stimulant Medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Enhance Cognition?

“…The increase in stimulant prescriptions has resulted in a corresponding escalation of illicit use, particularly in college students, confirmed by numerous survey results (Advokat et al, 2008;Arria & DuPont, 2010;Hall et al, 2005;McCabe et al, 2005;Rabiner et al, 2008;2009a, 2009bRabiner et al, 2010;Teter et al, 2003;Teter et al, 2005;Teter et al, 2006;Weyandt et al, 2009;White et al, 2006;Wilens et al, 2008). Wilens and colleagues (2008) report lifetime rates of diversion ranging from 16 to 29%, with medical prescriptions being given, sold or traded by students.…”

“…Some (Advokat et al, 2008;Blase et al, 2009) have found significantly lower GPAs in ADHDdiagnosed college students relative to non-ADHD controls. Not surprisingly, higher levels of ADHD symptomatology are consistently associated with poor study habits, skills and academic adjustment, and greater self-reports of attention deficits (Norwalk et al, 2009;Schwanz et al, 2007).…”

“…For the last several years, our laboratory has been conducting research in undergraduates with ADHD to try to understand the cognitive effects of stimulant medications (Advokat et al, 2007;Advokat et al, 2008;Advokat & Luo, unpublished;Barrilleaux & Advokat, 2009). Given evidence that suggests there is a positive relationship between the Grade Point Average of undergraduates and their working memory (Gropper & Tannock, 2009) our efforts to clarify the cognitive actions of these drugs include studies of both, neuropsychological and academic performance of adult ADHD-diagnosed undergraduates.…”

“…In the first study (Advokat et al, 2008) we asked about the legal use of prescription stimulants by undergraduates diagnosed with ADHD, and compared that with illicit use by students without the diagnosis.…”

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Amongst Today’s NCAA Student-Athletes

“…7 Many researchers believe that the rise in students with ADHD is due to the use of stimulants taken to increase their academic performance. 8 It is noted through previous research that students with ADHD are at risk of experiencing emotional difficulties, dropping out of school and likely to underperform in the classroom setting; more so these students tend to have lower Grade Point Averages (GPA) and more likely to be placed on academic probation. 9 For many students, sports serve as a natural remedy for ADHD and the symptoms associated with the mental disorder.…”