This Article Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 1087054708320414v1 13/2/144    most recent References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Rabiner, D. L. Articles by Swartzwelder, H. S. PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Rabiner, D. L. Articles by Swartzwelder, H. S. Pubmed/NCBI databases Medline Plus Health Information Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Drug Abuse Drugs and Young People Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

The Misuse and Diversion of Prescribed ADHD Medications by College Students

Duke University, drabiner{at}duke.edu

Arthur D. Anastopoulos

University of North Carolina, Greensboro

E. Jane Costello

Duke University

Rick H. Hoyle

Duke University

Sean Esteban McCabe

University of Michigan Substance Abuse Research Center

H. Scott Swartzwelder

Duke University

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. (J. of Att. Dis. 2009; 13(2) 144-153)

Key Words: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) • college students • diversion • motives • prescription stimulants • prescription drug abuse

This version was published on September 1, 2009

Journal of Attention Disorders, Vol. 13, No. 2, 144-153 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1087054708320414


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