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Neuroenhancers Use Amongst Italian Medical Students. a Survey.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 April 2020

M. Pighi ,
S. Ferrari ,
L. Pingani ,
G. Pontoni ,
M. Rigatelli  and
G.M. Galeazzi
M. Pighi
Affiliation:
Private Practice, Modena, Italy
S. Ferrari
Affiliation:
Dept of Diagnostic Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
L. Pingani
Affiliation:
Human Resource Development, Local Health Agency of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
G. Pontoni
Affiliation:
Dept of Diagnostic Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
M. Rigatelli
Affiliation:
Dept of Diagnostic Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
G.M. Galeazzi
Affiliation:
Dept of Diagnostic Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

Abstract

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Introduction.

Increasing use of substances by university students to improve cognitive performance ('neuroenhacement') has been reported. This refers not only to over-the-counter supplements, energy drinks, coffee and tobacco, but also to psychostimulants and modafinil. Little is known about this phenomenon in Italy.

Aims

To explore prevalence of use of substances as cognitive enhancers by Italian medical students and their attitudes towards prescription-only medication (methylphenidate, amphetamine, atomoxetine, modafinil) used for this purpose.

Methods

An ad hoc questionnaire was distributed to 433 medical students of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Valid response rate was 83.8% (N=363).

Results

271 students (74.7%) reported use of substances to improve cognition in the last 30 days. Coffee (73%, N=265) and tea (33.3%, N=121) were the most used, followed by caffeinated sodas (15.7%, N=57), tobacco (10.2%, N=37) and vitamin B supplements (8.8%, N=32). Prescription-only medicines were used by 2 students (0.6%) and, overall, only 4 students reported lifetime use (1.2%). 295 (83.3%) students mentioned concerns about safety and side effects as main reasons not to use. Use of cognitive enhancers as a group in the last 30 days slightly correlated with alcohol (r = 0.124; p = 0.023) and cannabis use (r = 0.114; p = 0.036).

Conclusions

Italian medical students use many substances as cognitive enhancers, but this seems not to apply to psychostimulants and modafinil. Cultural and regulatory differences may underlie this difference with other Countries, which warrants further research.

Type
Article: 0321
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 30 , Issue S1: Abstracts of the 23rd European Congress of Psychiatry , March 2015 , pp. 1
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2015
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