[Characteristics of university students using stimulants for cognitive enhancement: a pilot study].
OBJECTIVE
Little is known regarding characteristics of subjects using substances exclusively for the purpose of pharmacological neuroenhancement (PN). Aim of this pilot study was to characterize students in Germany who use methylphenidate (MPH) and/or amphetamines (AMPH) for PN.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews among 20 students who reported the use of MPH/AMPH for PN and 20 matched controls.


RESULTS
Subjects using stimulants for PN had significant better knowledge about further illicit substances for PN than controls. Users of AMPH more frequently used further illicit substances for PN than MPH users. Regarding prescription substances for PN no difference was found between MPH and AMPH users. AMPH users predominantly used AMPH intranasally for PN purposes. Stimulant users for PN used illicit substances (not for PN) more frequently with significantly higher rates of diagnoses of substance misuse of alcohol and THC (no difference between AMPH and MPH users).


CONCLUSIONS
Larger epidemiological studies are needed to elucidate the risk of misuse and addiction in subjects using stimulants for PN.
Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Strasse 8, Mainz. afranke@uni-mainz.de
Andreas G
AG
Franke
Cornelia E
CE
Schwarze
Michaela
M
Christmann
Caroline
C
Bonertz
Elisabeth
E
Hildt
Klaus
K
Lieb
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D000662:Amphetamines; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D008774:Methylphenidate; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
D000662:Amphetamines; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D008774:Methylphenidate