Pharmacopsychiatry 2011; 44(2): 60-66
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268417
Original Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Non-Medical Use of Prescription Stimulants and Illicit Use of Stimulants for Cognitive Enhancement in Pupils and Students in Germany

A. G. Franke1 , C. Bonertz1 , M. Christmann1 , M. Huss2 , A. Fellgiebel1 , E. Hildt3 , K. Lieb1
  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
  • 2Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
  • 3Department of Philosophy, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
Weitere Informationen

Publikationsverlauf

received 26.05.2010 revised 09.09.2010

accepted 28.09.2010

Publikationsdatum:
15. Dezember 2010 (online)

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Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess for the first time the prevalence and factors associated with stimulant use exclusively for cognitive enhancement among pupils and university students in Germany.

Methods: A sample of 1 035 pupils (vocational and grammar schools) in small and big cities and 512 university students of 3 Departments (Medicine, Pharmacy, Economics) completed a questionnaire regarding knowledge and use of stimulants for cognitive enhancement and factors associated with their use.

Results: Lifetime prevalence for use of prescription stimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) for cognitive enhancement in pupils was 1.55% and in students 0.78%. Last-year and last-month prevalence rates were significantly lower. 2.42% of pupils and 2.93% of students reported lifetime illicit use of stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy) for cognitive enhancement with lower last-year and last-month rates. Prevalence was higher in male pupils, pupils from vocational schools and pupils with bad marks.

Discussion: The illicit use of stimulants for cognitive enhancement is significantly higher than non-medical use of prescription stimulants among pupils and students. Stimulant use is determined by gender, school type, and school marks. The potential risks associated with stimulant use require early awareness and intervention strategies.

References

Correspondence

Dr. Dr. A. G. FrankeM.A. 

Department of Psychiatry and

Psychotherapy

University Medical Center

Mainz

Untere Zahlbacher Straße 8

55131 Mainz

Germany

Telefon: +49/6131/17 2920

Fax: +49/6131/17 6690

eMail: afranke@uni-mainz.de