Title

Misuse of prescription stimulants among college students: A review of the literature and implications for morphological and cognitive effects on brain functioning

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

10-1-2013

Abstract

Prescription stimulant medication, the most frequently recommended treatment for college students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has become increasingly available on college campuses. Research investigating prescription stimulant misuse among college students indicates that significant numbers of students without ADHD are taking prescription stimulants to enhance their cognitive performance. This article systematically reviews studies concerning misuse of prescription stimulants among college students with and without ADHD as well as the cognitive and morphological brain changes associated with prescription stimulants in humans and other animals. Whether these morphological changes are accompanied by improved cognitive performance remains equivocal. Implications of this body of literature are discussed and suggestions for future research are advanced. © 2013 American Psychological Association.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology

Volume

21

Issue

5

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