Publication Date
2020
Document Type
Book
Description
ADHD medications are widely used by students across college campuses in order to enhance academic performance and concentration. Often times, students use these medications illicitly and are unaware of the side effects that may be caused by use. This study collected survey based data from 879 college aged students in the Northeast United States in order to better understand the scope, causes, and effects of the misuse of ADHD medications. Data was collected using a Google Survey and analyzed using Pearson's Correlation Coefficient in SPSS, Version 25.0. Our results revealed significant correlations between frequency of ADHD medication use and perception of these types of medications. Specifically, use of ADHD medication "about once a day" was significantly correlated with nearly all of the undesired side effects inquired about in the survey, including panic attacks, aggression, and headaches. Despite experiencing these side effects, the "about once a day" users reported that they still perceived Adderall and similar medications to be more safe than caffeine and marijuana use. These findings shed light on the implications of ADHD medication use and suggest that outreach activities are needed to promote awareness on side effects of misuse.
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Recommended Citation
Genussa, Lee Ann; Cregin, Dennis; Guo, Camille; Koltun, Rebecca; Kristoferson, Eva; Malik, Sana; Norton, Haley; Ricci, Adelle; and Begdache, Lina, "Investigating the Correlations between Frequency of ADHD Medication Use with Perception, Dependence, and Undesired Side Effects" (2020). Research Days Posters 2020. 28.
https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_spring2020/28