A survey of substance use for cognitive enhancement by university students in the Netherlands

Schelle, Kimberly J.; Olthof, Bas Mj; Reintjes, Wesley; Bundt, Carsten; Gusman-Vermeer, Joyce; Mil, Anke C.C.M. van

doi:10.3389/fnsys.2015.00010

Cited by 74 publications

(99 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…Methylphenidate for the purpose of abuse is almost exclusively obtained from friends and acquaintances [16] [21] [24] [27] [28]. Against this background and knowing from the comparison with the literature that only a small percentage of this drug is prescribed by a doctor, the prevalence discovered in this paper (15%) would seem to be quite high.…”

Section: Inquiries With Regard To Non-indicated Methylphenidate Prescmentioning

confidence: 85%

“…Table 9), lifetime prevalence of methylphenidate misuse varied from 0.8% [21] to 16.6% [22]. An average lifetime prevalence of 6.9% was calculated on the basis of seven studies [21]- [28]. The one-year prevalence ranged from 1.5% [29] to 7.3% [30].…”

Section: Frequency Of Methylphenidate Misusementioning

confidence: 99%

“…The most important source of supply (55.7% to 100%) were friends and ac- [28]. In total, 90% of the people received methylphenidate free of charge [27].…”

Section: Source Of Supply Of Methylphenidatementioning

confidence: 99%

“…With this knowledge it is possible to narrow down a group of persons that should be given attention and targeted by preventive measures. It is not surprising that 89% of the Israeli medical students who misuse MPH began misuse at university, because neuroenhancement is more frequently reported by students with higher levels of performance pressure and if the pressure is considered as more burdensome by those students [28] [38] [44] [53]. One can imagine that performance pressure is very common among medical students.…”

Section: Methylphenidate Misuse and Associated Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[24] [27] [28]. They usually have a valid prescription, therefore greater efforts are important to raise patient compliance [16] [46].…”

Section: Source Of Supply Of Methylphenidatementioning

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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Section: Inquiries With Regard To Non-indicated Methylphenidate Prescmentioning

confidence: 85%

Section: Frequency Of Methylphenidate Misusementioning

confidence: 99%

“…The most important source of supply (55.7% to 100%) were friends and ac- [28]. In total, 90% of the people received methylphenidate free of charge [27].…”

Section: Source Of Supply Of Methylphenidatementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methylphenidate Misuse and Associated Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[24] [27] [28]. They usually have a valid prescription, therefore greater efforts are important to raise patient compliance [16] [46].…”

Section: Source Of Supply Of Methylphenidatementioning

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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Exploring the understanding, source of availability and level of access of cognitive enhancers among university students in the United Arab Emirates: A qualitative study

Sharif,

Fergus,

Guirguis

et al. 2023

Human Psychopharmacology

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ObjectiveThe use of prescription stimulants for cognitive enhancement by healthy university students, identified as the largest cohort of cognitive enhancer (CE) users, is of growing interest. The purpose of this study was to look at the understanding, perception, experience, and level of access of CEs among healthy university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).MethodsThe study was conducted in six highly competitive university programmes. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 18 university students to discuss their own experiences and those of their friends and peers regarding the use of prescription stimulants. In addition, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with seven teaching faculty staff members (registered pharmacists and medical doctors) to explore their views on the use of CEs in their university.ResultsData were analysed thematically for the identification of themes and subthemes within the data using coding. It was found that, ‘Adderall’ was the most common prescribed CE drug and caffeine super strength pills were the most common non‐prescribed CE drug, both reported to enhance concentration, motivation, and meet academic deadlines.ConclusionsIt is expected that the findings of this study will be of interest to a wide range of services in UAE universities. This will enable them to raise awareness about the use of CEs among students.

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Cognitive-Enhancing Substances and the Developing Brain: Risks and Benefits

Urban

Gao

2021

Contemporary Clinical Neuroscience

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A survey of substance use for cognitive enhancement by university students in the Netherlands

Cited by 74 publications

References 42 publications

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

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

Exploring the understanding, source of availability and level of access of cognitive enhancers among university students in the United Arab Emirates: A qualitative study

Cognitive-Enhancing Substances and the Developing Brain: Risks and Benefits

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