RESULTS Modafinil appears to improve reaction time ( P ≤ 0.04 ) , logical reasoning ( P ≤ 0.05 ) and problem-solving .
Across all three types of prescription stimulants , research shows improved attention with lack of consensus on whether these improvements are limited to simple versus complex tasks in varying youth population s. CONCLUSIONS The heterogeneity of the non-attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth population , the variation in cognitive task characteristics and lack of replication of studies makes assessing the potential global neurocognitive benefits of stimulants among non-attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth difficult ; however , some youth may derive benefit in specific cognitive domains
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Increasing prescription stimulant abuse among youth without diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) is of concern .
The most frequently cited motive for abuse is improved academic achievement via neurocognitive enhancement .
Our aim in review ing the literature was to identify neurocognitive effects of prescription stimulants in non-ADHD youth .
Prevalence and Motives for Illicit Use of Prescription Stimulants in an Undergraduate Student Sample
To assess the prevalence and motives for illicit use of  prescription stimulants  and alcohol and other drugs ( AODs ) , associated with these motives , the authors distributed a self-administered Web survey TO a r and om sample of 9,161 undergraduate college students . Of the study participants , 8.1 % reported iifetime and 5.4 % reported past-year illicit use of prescription stimulants .  The most prevalent motives given for illicit use of prescription stimulants were to ( 1 ) help with concentration , ( 2 ) increase alertness , and ( 3 ) provide a high . Although men were more likely than women were to report illicit use of prescription stimulants , the authors found no gender differences in motives . Regardless of motive , illicit use of prescription stimulants was associated with elevated rates of AOD use , and number of motives endorsed and AOD use were positively related . Students appear to be using these prescription drugs non-medically , mainly to enhance performance or get high
RESULTS Modafinil appears to improve reaction time ( P ≤ 0.04 ) , logical reasoning ( P ≤ 0.05 ) and problem-solving .
Across all three types of prescription stimulants , research shows improved attention with lack of consensus on whether these improvements are limited to simple versus complex tasks in varying youth population s. CONCLUSIONS The heterogeneity of the non-attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth population , the variation in cognitive task characteristics and lack of replication of studies makes assessing the potential global neurocognitive benefits of stimulants among non-attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth difficult ; however , some youth may derive benefit in specific cognitive domains
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Increasing prescription stimulant abuse among youth without diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) is of concern .
The most frequently cited motive for abuse is improved academic achievement via neurocognitive enhancement .
Our aim in review ing the literature was to identify neurocognitive effects of prescription stimulants in non-ADHD youth .