Contrary to popular belief across college campuses, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications may fail to improve cognition in healthy students and actually can impair functioning. A study in the U.S. of the popular drug, Adderall, the researchers hypothesised, would enhance cognition in healthy students. But instead, the medication did not improve reading comprehension or fluency and impaired working memory. This study — the first-ever multi-site pilot one of the impact of so-called “study drugs” on college students who do not have ADHD — comes at a time when the use of prescription stimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse is common among young adults who believe the drugs will improve their academic performance. The researchers have estimated that 5% to 35% of college students in the U.S. and European countries, and without ADHD, illegally use these controlled substances, buying or receiving them from peers, friends, or family.
