Prevalence of the use of prescription stimulants as "study drugs" by UK university students: A brief report

Treatment of idiopathic hypersomnia with modafinil in an individual at clinical high risk for psychosis: A case report

Background

Recent studies have shown that sleep disturbances are frequent at different stages of psychosis, including clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P). However, the comorbidity of hypersomnia with CHR-P and its treatment have rarely been reported or discussed.

Case Presentation

A 16-year-old female diagnosed with major depressive disorder and CHR-P experienced worsening excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), including falling sleep in class. Polysomnography and multiple sleep latency tests confirmed the diagnosis of idiopathic hypersomnia (IH), and treatment with modafinil (100 mg/day) was initiated. EDS improved after increasing the modafinil dose to 200 mg/day. No side effects or exacerbations of psychotic symptoms were observed. EDS recurred after she entered university and was treated with 300 mg/day of modafinil without side effects or transition to psychosis.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates modafinil's efficacy and safety in treating IH in individuals with CHR-P. However, whether modafinil use increases the risk of transition to psychosis remains unclear. Further research is required on modafinil as a treatment for hypersomnia in individuals with CHR-P.

Prevalence of the use of prescription stimulants as "study drugs" by UK university students: A brief report

INTRODUCTION

There is media concern over students using prescription stimulants as "cognitive enhancers" to try and improve their academic performance. However, there is limited evidence about the prevalence of this behaviour in the United Kingdom, or whether it has increased in recent years.

METHODS

We review survey studies on students' use of cognitive enhancers.

RESULTS

Overall reported use is low, with some inconclusive evidence that it is increasing. Use of modafinil appears to be higher than that of methylphenidate or dexamphetamine.

CONCLUSION

There is a clear need for large-scale research in this area, using representative sampling and survey methods that protect student anonymity.