Use of stimulant medication for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A survey of middle and high school students' attitudes

Six hundred fifty-one students (ages 11-18) completed a questionnaire that asked if they were taking stimulant medication for ADHD. Those who responded positively were then asked to answer a section of the questionnaire that asked them about their experiences and attitudes related to their treatment with the medication. If they responded that they were not diagnosed with ADHD and not receiving treatment with stimulant medication, they answered a section of the questionnaire that inquired about their perceptions of students who did take medication. Fifty students completed the taking-medication portion of the questionnaire. Although the students reported that the medication helped them somewhat in the areas of behavior, social ability with friends, parents, and teachers, and attention, they reported that the medication did not help them in the area of academic achievement. The majority of the students reported some side effects from their medication. Thirty-four percent of students taking ADHD medication reported being approached to sell or trade their medication, and 53% of students not taking ADHD medication reported that some students taking ADHD medication gave away or sold their medication. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.