[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.