The misuse and diversion of prescribed ADHD medications by college students.
OBJECTIVE
This study assesses the misuse and diversion of prescribed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications.


METHODS
One hundred fifteen students, attending two universities, with prescriptions for ADHD medications completed a Web survey in spring 2007.


RESULTS
Eighty-nine of 115 students (69%) used their ADHD medications as prescribed, whereas 36 (31%) had misused during college by taking larger or more frequent doses than prescribed or by using someone else's medication. Nine students (8%) reported intranasal use during the previous 6 months, and 30 (26%) had diverted medications to peers. Misuse was associated with impulsivity and with other substance use. Enhancing the ability to study outside of class was students' primary motive for misuse, but nonacademic reasons were also reported. Students who misused ADHD medications generally felt that doing so was helpful.


CONCLUSIONS
Although most students use their ADHD medication as prescribed, misuse and diversion is not uncommon. Because enhancing academic performance was the primary motive for misuse, the results raise questions about whether undergraduates with ADHD perceive their treatment as adequate and the extent to which physicians and students communicate about issues related to medication adjustments.
Rabiner
David L
DL
Center for Child and Family Policy, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. drabiner@duke.edu
Anastopoulos
Arthur D
AD
Costello
E Jane
EJ
Hoyle
Rick H
RH
McCabe
Sean Esteban
SE
Swartzwelder
H Scott
HS
D000124:Achievement; D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000293:Adolescent; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology; D009042:Motivation; D010379:Peer Group; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012931:Social Environment; D015206:Southwestern United States; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D055553:Prescription Drugs