Nearly one third of college students said ADHD medication helped boost grades, a study claims.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder that prevents someone from having the attention levels they need to perform specific tasks such as schoolwork.
But previous research has shown that ADHD medication such as Ritalin and and Adderall are abused as ‘study aids’ despite no clear evidence showing they can help people who don’t have the disorder.
Researchers analyzed survey responses from nine universities in the United States and found that 29 percent of students who didn’t have the disorder said using the medication improved their grades.
Experts warn abusing stimulants can lead to an increase in heart disease, insomina and high blood pressure if used with a prescription.
Researchers from NYU Langone Medical Center analyzed responses from college students at nine universities. They found that 29 percent of those students who used ADHD medication without having the disorder said their grades improved. Experts warn using medication that isn’t prescribed can lead to an increase risk of developing heart disease and anxiety
The findings are based on a survey answered by almost 7,300 college students who have not been diagnosed with ADHD and analyzed by experts at New York University Langone Medical Center.
An estimated 6.4 million children aged four to 17 were diagnosed in the United States with ADHD between 2011 to 2012, according to the CDC.
This is commonly treated with medication such as Ritalin and Adderall to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity in those diagnosed with the disorder.
The medication also helps improve the ability for someone to focus, work and learn.
Ritalin was introduced first and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1955 while Adderall wasn’t approved until 1996.
These medications are known as stimulants because they increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Both are essential to thinking and attention activity in the brain.
Too much of dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain can leave someone feeling overstimulated, anxious and cause mental disorders such as schizophrenia.
Even though the medication hasn’t proven to be helpful for people who are not diagnosed with ADHD, 29 percent of college students said it helped their grades.
But 38 percent who used the drug were ‘unsure’ if it actually helped them get a better grade.
This abuse of the stimulant can be harmful on the body if no prescribed.
Experts warn using the medication when it is not prescribed can increase risk of heart problems, high blood pressure, abnormal anxiety, insomnia and hallucinations.
More than 11 percent of the college students surveyed said they used a stimulant for ‘non-medical purposes’ in the last six months.
Two thirds of that group believed there grades improved during those six months.
Overall, the findings found that students who believed they were using the drugs to improve their grades were 2.5 times more likely to abuse the drugs over those who were ‘unsure’ about the benefits.
The authors said this survey shows the need for college students to find ways to manage time, relieve stress and know when to take care of themselves.
This can study help prevent the abuse of drugs and alcohol by students during college by recognizing why they feel the need to take these medications in order to succeed.