The Illicit Use of Adderall Among University Students
The Illicit Use of Adderall Among University Students
Victoria Milne
06248380
Ron Shore
Monday Feb 4, 2013
The Problem: A Historical & Social Perspective: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by impulsive, hyperactive, distractive tendencies, and difficulties focusing.1 While the nature of this condition may be “maladaptive” in the context of modern society, some authors have viewed ADHD as having beneficial qualities in our evolutionary past.2, 3 Etiologic research indicates that natural selection favoured ADHD traits because they were necessary for hunting, and therefore survival.2, 3 As civilization developed over multiple centuries however, these inherent traits became ‘medical symptoms’ of a neurological disorder, simply because these traits had no adaptive function in its emerging culture. In the 1980’s ADHD had become widely accepted as a medical disorder, and soon after was the development of prescribed treatments such as Adderall to diminish the symptoms.4 Approved by the FDA in 1996, Adderall quickly became one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, and still is today.5 The use of Adderall however has become a growing concern specifically among university students, due to the substantial increase in illegal Adderall consumption across university campuses.6 Whether students are seeking an academic edge, suppressing their appetite to induce weight loss, or simply wanting to feel high, these ‘rewarding’ outcomes induced by Adderall have contributed to its popularity among university students.7 Research of the literature unearths an especially alarming theme, indicating that the use of Adderall by students has become a salient part of the university culture.4 Of the 34% of college students who admitted to the illicit use of ADHD medication, 63% reported that their first use was during college.4 The former percentage is likely an underestimation of the true prevalence, as subjects may not openly admit to
Victoria Milne
06248380
Ron Shore
Monday Feb 4, 2013
The Problem: A Historical & Social Perspective: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by impulsive, hyperactive, distractive tendencies, and difficulties focusing.1 While the nature of this condition may be “maladaptive” in the context of modern society, some authors have viewed ADHD as having beneficial qualities in our evolutionary past.2, 3 Etiologic research indicates that natural selection favoured ADHD traits because they were necessary for hunting, and therefore survival.2, 3 As civilization developed over multiple centuries however, these inherent traits became ‘medical symptoms’ of a neurological disorder, simply because these traits had no adaptive function in its emerging culture. In the 1980’s ADHD had become widely accepted as a medical disorder, and soon after was the development of prescribed treatments such as Adderall to diminish the symptoms.4 Approved by the FDA in 1996, Adderall quickly became one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, and still is today.5 The use of Adderall however has become a growing concern specifically among university students, due to the substantial increase in illegal Adderall consumption across university campuses.6 Whether students are seeking an academic edge, suppressing their appetite to induce weight loss, or simply wanting to feel high, these ‘rewarding’ outcomes induced by Adderall have contributed to its popularity among university students.7 Research of the literature unearths an especially alarming theme, indicating that the use of Adderall by students has become a salient part of the university culture.4 Of the 34% of college students who admitted to the illicit use of ADHD medication, 63% reported that their first use was during college.4 The former percentage is likely an underestimation of the true prevalence, as subjects may not openly admit to
References: 1. Asher, J. (2007). Gene Predicts Better Outcome as Cortex Normalizes in Teens with ADHD 2. Hallowell, E., & Ratey, J. (1994). Driven to Distraction. New York (NY): Touchstone. 7. Teter, C.J., McCabe S.E., LaGrange, K., Cranford, J.A., Boyd, C.J., (2006). Illicit Use of Specific Prescription Stimulants Among College Students: Prevalence, Motives, 11. Clemmitt, M., (2012). Treating ADHD: Are attention disorders overdiagnosed? The CQ Researcher, 22(28): 669 – 692. 12. Higgins, S. E., (2009). Do ADHD Drugs Take a Toll on the Brain? Scientific American Mind, 20: 28 - 43 13. Linthicum, M.D., (2009). American College Health Association (2009). Ontario Reference Group Executive Summary