ADHD Exam taking and study drugs

ADHD Exam taking and study drugs

There has been a rise over the last decade of the emergence of ADHD as a diagnosis for pupils especially for GCSE candidates and increasing the use of ‘study drugs’.

This has lead to a rise in number of pupils who have been prescribed ADHD study drugs to improve their performance in exams.

There is an argument to say if performance enhancing drugs happen in sport then exams are no different. They have been shown to increase concentration, memory as well as behaviour.

Although the ADHD drugs are highly regulated. These drugs are classed as stimulant amphetamine Drugs and are used to help control ADHD.

Here is a list of some of the based drugs that are used to help combat ADHD and are also classed as ‘Study Drugs’:

Adderall (amphetamine) Ritalin (methylphenidate) Concerta (methylphenidate) Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) Daytrana (methylphenidate patch) Metadate or Methylin (methylphenidate) Dexedrine or Dextrostat (dextroamphetamine) Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)

With the rise of pupils being prescribed ADHD this has increased the number of pupils who sit exams with the performance enhancing drugs. YouGov did a survey of pupils sitting their GCSEs in 2019. They found that 1 in 7 pupils took ADHD drugs without a prescription.

There is a clearly an ethical question around study drugs. It is one part of the puzzle that pupils face in revising for exams and being compared with their peers, some who maybe on study performance enhancing study drugs.

Medical Disclaimer: 

The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your GP or other qualified healthcare provider.