The Adderall Epidemic: Linking Illicit Adderall Use to Mental Distress on College Campuses

Adderall is widely misused on college campuses; however, students are not aware of its impact on mental health. A survey of 596 northeastern college students revealed misusing Adderall significantly correlated with higher levels of mental distress such as anxiety and depression. Risk factors include Greek life affiliation, age, and GPA

Investigating the Correlations between Frequency of ADHD Medication Use with Perception, Dependence, and Undesired Side Effects

ADHD medications are widely used by students across college campuses in order to enhance academic performance and concentration. Often times, students use these medications illicitly and are unaware of the side effects that may be caused by use. This study collected survey based data from 879 college aged students in the Northeast United States in order to better understand the scope, causes, and effects of the misuse of ADHD medications. Data was collected using a Google Survey and analyzed using Pearson\u27s Correlation Coefficient in SPSS, Version 25.0. Our results revealed significant correlations between frequency of ADHD medication use and perception of these types of medications. Specifically, use of ADHD medication about once a day was significantly correlated with nearly all of the undesired side effects inquired about in the survey, including panic attacks, aggression, and headaches. Despite experiencing these side effects, the about once a day users reported that they still perceived Adderall and similar medications to be more safe than caffeine and marijuana use. These findings shed light on the implications of ADHD medication use and suggest that outreach activities are needed to promote awareness on side effects of misuse.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_spring2020/1027/thumbnail.jp

Potential Negative Cyclical Effects of ADHD Medication, Mental Health, and Academic Performance

In the past decade, the misuse of non-prescription ADHD medication among college students for the goal of achieving academic success has seen a marked increase. In order to determine if there is a relationship between study drugs, mental health, and GPA, an anonymous survey was distributed asking participants questions regarding demographics, prescribed and non-prescribed Adderall use, its effects, and perceptions. A total of 879 college-aged students from several US colleges completed the survey. Using Pearson\u27s Correlation Coefficient, there was a positive correlation between using non-prescribed Adderall use and a decrease in GPA, as well as a negative impact on mental health. The survey also showed that those who have a lower GPA exhibited several mental health symptoms, suggesting that there could be a vicious cycle at hand: non-prescribed study drugs, low GPA, and negative impact on mental health all act reciprocally, inexorably worsening the effects of the drug. Our results may indicate a lack of knowledge among non-prescribed users about the effects of Adderall, demonstrating a need for education outreach and alternative study methods. Data was collected from a multiple-choice survey and analyzed using SPSS, Version 25.0.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_spring2020/1041/thumbnail.jp

Potential Connection Between ADHD Medication Misuse and Risk-Taking Behaviors

ADHD medications (such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse) are frequently misused on college campuses to enhance academic performance. Many students are unaware of the adverse effects of the drug. Research shows that ADHD medication misuse is associated with Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) dysfunction, and may lead to impaired decision making abilities. This may lead to riskier decision making by ADHD stimulant-dependent college students. Higher risk taking behaviors are associated with comorbid illicit substance use (such as cocaine, marijuana, prescription painkillers). This study seeks to assess whether ADHD medication misuse correlates with risk-taking behaviors. An anonymous survey including questions on frequency of ADHD, alcohol and illicit drug use was completed by 863 college students. Data was analyzed using Pearson\u27s Correlation Coefficient in SPSS Version 25.0. Results revealed significant positive correlations between alcohol, cocaine and/or marijuana use and once a day, once a month, and once a year ADHD medication use. There were also positive correlations depicted between cocaine and recreational prescription painkiller use and not being dissuaded by any information against taking ADHD medications - including evidence for negative physiological effects, real life stories about ADHD medication use, or even negative personal effects experienced. These behaviors suggest potential PFC dysfunction in college students illicitly using ADHD medications.https://orb.binghamton.edu/research_days_posters_spring2020/1073/thumbnail.jp

The pivotal Role of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Reversing the Pathophysiology and Systemic Complications of NAFLD

The pathogenesis and molecular pathways involved in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are reviewed, as well as what is known about mitochondrial dysfunction that leads to heart disease and the progression to steatohepatitis and hepatic fibrosis. We focused our discussion on the role of the antioxidant gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and its nuclear coactivator, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC1-α) in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and function and potential therapeutic benefit for cardiac disease, NAFLD as well as the pharmacological effect they have on the chronic inflammatory state of obesity. The result is increased mitochondrial function and the conversion of white adipocyte tissue to beige adipose tissue ( browning of white adipose tissue ) that leads to an improvement in signaling pathways and overall liver function. Improved mitochondrial biogenesis and function is essential to preventing the progression of hepatic steatosis to NASH and cirrhosis as well as preventing cardiovascular complications