A study published in JAMA Network Open found that approximately 25% of teens in some U.S. middle and high schools reported misusing prescription stimulants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) within the past year. This research is the first national analysis on this issue among school-age students, highlighting a significant variation in misuse rates across different schools.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, analyzed data from over 230,000 adolescents across 3,284 secondary schools between 2005 and 2020. Findings indicate that schools with higher rates of ADHD medication prescriptions had a 36% increased likelihood of teenage misuse, while those with little to no prescriptions reported considerably less misuse.
The misuse of prescription stimulants can involve taking doses beyond what is prescribed or combining the medication with other substances, such as alcohol, to amplify effects. Factors contributing to misuse include peer pressure and stress surrounding academic performance, with some students reportedly taking stimulant medications to study or complete homework.
Geographically, suburban schools, particularly those where parents typically have a college education, reported higher rates of stimulant misuse. Statistical analysis also revealed a correlation between the misuse of stimulants and individual use of marijuana or previous ADHD medication use.
The study noted that the misuse of stimulant medications can lead to severe health consequences, including stimulant use disorder, anxiety, depression, and physical side effects such as irregular heartbeat. Despite the risks, the number of prescriptions for stimulant medications has increased, with a reported 10% surge in 2021.
Experts recommend that parents be proactive in discussing medication misuse with their children, encouraging open communication about peer pressure. They should also ensure medications are stored safely and securely, and report any suspected misuse to health professionals promptly.
The data emphasizes the need for schools to establish effective strategies to address stimulant misuse while continuing to provide necessary treatments for students diagnosed with ADHD.
Source: Reported based on publicly available information from www.cnn.com.
