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The misuse and diversion of prescribed ADHD medications by college students.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Rabiner, DL; Anastopoulos, AD; Costello, EJ; Hoyle, RH; McCabe, SE; Swartzwelder, HS
Published in: J Atten Disord
September 2009

OBJECTIVE: This study assesses the misuse and diversion of prescribed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications. METHOD: 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.

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Published In

J Atten Disord

DOI

ISSN

1087-0547

Publication Date

September 2009

Volume

13

Issue

2

Start / End Page

144 / 153

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Young Adult
  • Substance-Related Disorders
  • Students
  • Southwestern United States
  • Social Environment
  • Prescription Drugs
  • Peer Group
  • Motivation
  • Medication Adherence
  • Male
 

Citation

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Rabiner, D. L., Anastopoulos, A. D., Costello, E. J., Hoyle, R. H., McCabe, S. E., & Swartzwelder, H. S. (2009). The misuse and diversion of prescribed ADHD medications by college students. J Atten Disord, 13(2), 144–153. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054708320414
Rabiner, David L., Arthur D. Anastopoulos, E Jane Costello, Rick H. Hoyle, Sean Esteban McCabe, and H Scott Swartzwelder. “The misuse and diversion of prescribed ADHD medications by college students.J Atten Disord 13, no. 2 (September 2009): 144–53. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054708320414.
Rabiner DL, Anastopoulos AD, Costello EJ, Hoyle RH, McCabe SE, Swartzwelder HS. The misuse and diversion of prescribed ADHD medications by college students. J Atten Disord. 2009 Sep;13(2):144–53.
Rabiner, David L., et al. “The misuse and diversion of prescribed ADHD medications by college students.J Atten Disord, vol. 13, no. 2, Sept. 2009, pp. 144–53. Pubmed, doi:10.1177/1087054708320414.
Rabiner DL, Anastopoulos AD, Costello EJ, Hoyle RH, McCabe SE, Swartzwelder HS. The misuse and diversion of prescribed ADHD medications by college students. J Atten Disord. 2009 Sep;13(2):144–153.
Journal cover image

Published In

J Atten Disord

DOI

ISSN

1087-0547

Publication Date

September 2009

Volume

13

Issue

2

Start / End Page

144 / 153

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Young Adult
  • Substance-Related Disorders
  • Students
  • Southwestern United States
  • Social Environment
  • Prescription Drugs
  • Peer Group
  • Motivation
  • Medication Adherence
  • Male