To the Editor: There have been claims that the non-medical use of prescription stimulants is widespread and increasing in the United States and other developed countries, particularly among university students.1 In the context of rising education and general living costs, economic uncertainty and high rates of anxiety and depression among young people,2 it is plausible that some students may cope with study demands by using prescription stimulants such as methylphenidate.
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- 1. Greely H, Sahakian B, Harris J, et al. Towards responsible use of cognitive-enhancing drugs by the healthy. Nature 2008; 456: 702-705.
- 2. Mathews RRS, Hall WD, Vos T, et al. What are the major drivers of prevalent disability burden in young Australians? Med J Aust 2011; 194: 232-235.
- 3. Kroutil LA, Van Brunt DL, Herman-Stahl MA, et al. Nonmedical use of prescription stimulants in the United States. Drug Alcohol Depend 2006; 84: 135-143.
- 4. Hollingworth SA, Nissen LM, Stathis SS, et al. Australian national trends in stimulant dispensing: 2002–2009. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2011; 45: 332-336.
- 5. Bogle KE, Smith BH. Illicit methylphenidate use: a review of prevalence, availability, pharmacology, and consequences. Curr Drug Abuse Rev 2009; 2: 157-176.
- 6. McCabe SE, Teter CJ, Boyd CJ. Medical use, illicit use, and diversion of abusable prescription drugs. J Am Coll Health 2006; 54: 269-278.
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