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Nasário BR, Matos MPP. Uso Não Prescrito de Metilfenidato e Desempenho Acadêmico de Estudantes de Medicina. PSICOLOGIA: CIÊNCIA E PROFISSÃO 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1982-3703003235853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo O metilfenidato é um fármaco indicado no tratamento do transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH) e da narcolepsia. Atua no sistema nervoso central inibindo a recaptação de dopamina e noradrenalina, o que provoca um efeito psicoestimulante. Estudos anteriores demonstraram um aumento no consumo da droga por indivíduos saudáveis que buscam aprimoramento cognitivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a relação entre o uso não prescrito de metilfenidato e o desempenho acadêmico de estudantes de medicina de uma universidade do sul de Santa Catarina. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva de caráter quantitativo. Participaram da pesquisa 243 acadêmicos do segundo ao oitavo semestre do curso de medicina; os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário e analisados com ajuda do software SPSS versão 21.0. A prevalência de uso não prescrito do metilfenidato foi de 2,9%, enquanto 17,3% dos pesquisados afirmaram já ter utilizado o medicamento alguma vez na vida. As motivações para consumo mais citadas foram melhorar o desempenho cognitivo (10%) e ficar acordado por mais tempo (4,1%), e a forma de obtenção mais comum foi por meio de amigos (56,5%). O psicoestimulante não apresentou efeitos de aprimoramento cognitivo, uma vez que participantes que nunca utilizaram o fármaco apresentaram um desempenho acadêmico superior (8,80) se comparados àqueles que usam (7,92) ou já usaram (8,01). Os resultados corroboram a hipótese de efeito relacionado a sensações de bem-estar em pessoas saudáveis, o que torna preocupante a injustificada exposição aos efeitos adversos da droga. Ressalta-se a necessidade de ações que visem à promoção de saúde mental aos universitários.
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Batista da Costa L, Sousa JOD, Silva SVBDF, Almeida VDD, Fernandes TAADM. Non-medical use of methylphenidate by medical students: prevalence and motivations. Integrative review. REVISTA CIÊNCIAS EM SAÚDE 2021. [DOI: 10.21876/rcshci.v11i2.1042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study performed a literature review evaluating aspects of prevalence and motivations on the non-medical use of methylphenidate by medical students. Methods: We searched the Scopus, PubMed, SciELO, and Web of Science databases and the Google Scholar search tool using the keywords "Methylphenidate" and "Medical Student" and their correlates in Portuguese. A total of 472 articles were recovered, of which 24 were included for full reading and discussion after the application of the pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: It was observed that the prevalence of non-prescribed use of methylphenidate ranged from 0.51% in Lithuania to 35% in Colombia. The main motivations reported for using the drug were academic outcomes improvement and increase in concentration during studies, although research shows no significant improvement in academic performance with the use of medication by healthy individuals. Conclusion: The non-prescribed use of methylphenidate presents a high and worrying frequency. Also, scientific studies questioning the use of psychostimulant medications for cognitive improvement by healthy students make the practice illegal and unfounded.
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Jebrini T, Manz K, Koller G, Krause D, Soyka M, Franke AG. Psychiatric Comorbidity and Stress in Medical Students Using Neuroenhancers. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:771126. [PMID: 34975573 PMCID: PMC8716814 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.771126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pharmacological neuroenhancement (PN) is a common healthcare problem at least among students. PN seems to be associated with stressful situations. There is a lack of data about personal characteristics, comorbidities, and coping strategies regarding stress and factors of resilience in students and medical staff. Methods: A web-based survey about the non-medical use of PN drugs with a focus on neuroenhancement was developed and distributed among medical students throughout Germany; the questionnaire was open in April and May of 2020. The survey contained questions about the use of well-known PN drugs, frequency, special purposes, reasons for the use, psychiatric disorders, use of psychotropic drugs apart from PN purposes, and factors of resilience using the brief resilience scale. Results: Data of 1,159 students of medicine were analyzed. The most frequently used substances for PN were coffee (78.8% lifetime prevalence rate), energy drinks (45.7%), caffeine tablets (24.3%), methylphenidate (5.2%), illicit amphetamines (2.0%), and cocaine (1.7%). 98.4% suspected that PN drug use could lead to addiction. PN drug use specifically for PN was significantly associated with the use of (a) any psychotropic drug (other than neuroenhancers), (b) any psychiatric disorder, and (c) higher values of feeling pressure to perform in professional/students' life and in private life as well as (d) the subjective feeling of pressure to perform to be burdening and (e) harmful to one's own health. PN drug use in general was significantly associated with being less resilient. The use of illicit PN drugs, over the counter drugs and prescription drugs was associated with being less resilient. Conclusion: This study indicates that PN with legal and illegal drugs is a widespread phenomenon among German medical students. Users seem to be more often burdened by psychiatric disorders, especially addictive disorders, the perception of stress, pressure to perform and low levels of resilience. These aspects should be considered in further investigation of PN drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Jebrini
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kirsi Manz
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology (IBE), LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriele Koller
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniela Krause
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Soyka
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas G Franke
- Hochschule der Bundesagentur für Arbeit (HdBA), University of Applied Labour Studies, Mannheim, Germany
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Ram S(S, Russell B, Kirkpatrick C, Stewart K, Scahill S, Henning M, Curley L, Hussainy S. Professionals' attitudes towards the use of cognitive enhancers in academic settings. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241968. [PMID: 33216781 PMCID: PMC7679021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS The non-medical use of prescription stimulants such as methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and modafinil is increasing in popularity within tertiary academic settings. There is a paucity of information on awareness, attitudes, and acceptability by professionals of use in this context. This study aimed to investigate professionals' knowledge of and attitudes towards the use of cognitive enhancers (CEs) in academic settings, and their willingness to use a hypothetical CE. DESIGN AND METHODS A mail survey was sent to doctors, pharmacists, nurses, accountants and lawyers in New Zealand. These disciplines were chosen as they require professional registration to practice. The questionnaire comprised four sections: (1) demographics, (2) knowledge of CEs, (3) attitudes towards the use of CEs, and (4) willingness to use hypothetical CEs. RESULTS The response rate was 34.5% (414/1200). Overall, participants strongly disagreed that it was fair to allow university students to use CEs for cognitive enhancement (Mdn = 1, IQR: 1,3), or that it is ethical for students without a prescription to use cognitive enhancers for any reason (Mdn = 1, IQR: 1,2). Professions differed in their attitudes towards whether it is ethical for students without a prescription to use CEs for any reason (p = 0.001, H 31.527). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Divergent views and lack of clear consensus within professions and between professionals on the use of CEs have the potential to influence both professionals and students as future professionals. These divergent views may stem from differences in the core values of self-identity as well as extrinsic factors of acceptability within the profession in balancing the elements of opportunity, fairness and authenticity in cognitive enhancement. Further research is required to inform the development of policy and guidelines that are congruent with all professions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanyogita (Sanya) Ram
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University (Parkville Campus), Parkville, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bruce Russell
- Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Carl Kirkpatrick
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University (Parkville Campus), Parkville, Australia
| | - Kay Stewart
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University (Parkville Campus), Parkville, Australia
| | - Shane Scahill
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Marcus Henning
- Centre for Medical and Health Sciences Education, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Louise Curley
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Safeera Hussainy
- Department of General Practice, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia
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Candido FJ, Souza R, Stumpf MA, Fernandes LG, Veiga R, Santin M, Kluthcovsky A. The use of drugs and medical students: a literature review. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2018; 64:462-468. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.64.05.462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY INTRODUCTION The consumption and abuse of alcohol and other drugs are increasingly present in the lives of university students and may already be considered a public health problem because of the direct impacts on the physical and mental health of these individuals. The requirements of the medical program play a vital role in the increasing rate of drug users. OBJECTIVES To carry out a systematic review of the literature on the use of drugs, licit or not, in Brazilian medical students. METHODS A descriptive-exploratory study, in which the SciELO and MEDLINE databases were used. A total of 99 articles were found, of which 16 were selected for this review. RESULTS Alcohol and tobacco were the most frequently used licit drugs among medical students. The most consumed illicit drugs were marijuana, solvents, “lança-perfume” (ether spray), and anxiolytics. The male genre presented a tendency of consuming more significant amounts of all kinds of drugs, with the exception of tranquilizers. It was found an increasing prevalence of drug consumption in medical students, as the program progressed, which may result from the intrinsic stress from medical school activities. Students who do not use psychoactive drugs are more likely to live with their parents, to disapprove drugs consumption, to practice religious beliefs and to be employed. Conclusion The prevalence of licit and illicit drug use among medical students is high, even though they understand the injuries it may cause.
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Pacheco JP, Giacomin HT, Tam WW, Ribeiro TB, Arab C, Bezerra IM, Pinasco GC. Mental health problems among medical students in Brazil: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 39:369-378. [PMID: 28876408 PMCID: PMC7111407 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2017-2223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To provide a comprehensive picture of mental health problems (MHPs) in Brazilian medical students by documenting their prevalence and association with co-factors. Methods: We systematically searched the MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and PsycINFO databases for cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of MHPs among medical students in Brazil published before September 29, 2016. We pooled prevalences using a random-effects meta-analysis, and summarized factors associated with MHP. Results: We included 59 studies in the analysis. For meta-analyses, we identified the summary prevalence of different MHPs, including depression (25 studies, prevalence 30.6%), common mental disorders (13 studies, prevalence 31.5%), burnout (three studies, prevalence 13.1%), problematic alcohol use (three studies, prevalence 32.9%), stress (six studies, prevalence 49.9%), low sleep quality (four studies, prevalence 51.5%), excessive daytime sleepiness (four studies, prevalence 46.1%), and anxiety (six studies, prevalence 32.9%). Signs of lack of motivation, emotional support, and academic overload correlated with MHPs. Conclusion: Several MHPs are highly prevalent among future physicians in Brazil. Evidence-based interventions and psychosocial support are needed to promote mental health among Brazilian medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- João P Pacheco
- Faculdade de Medicina, Escola Superior de Ciências da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória (EMESCAM), Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Henrique T Giacomin
- Faculdade de Medicina, Escola Superior de Ciências da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória (EMESCAM), Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Wilson W Tam
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tássia B Ribeiro
- Faculdade de Medicina, Escola Superior de Ciências da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória (EMESCAM), Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Claudia Arab
- Departamento de Cardiologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Italla M Bezerra
- Faculdade de Medicina, Escola Superior de Ciências da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória (EMESCAM), Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Gustavo C Pinasco
- Faculdade de Medicina, Escola Superior de Ciências da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória (EMESCAM), Vitória, ES, Brazil
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