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Use of Neuroenhancement Drugs: Prevalence, Frequency and Use Expectations in Switzerland

Author

Listed:
  • Stéphane Deline

    (Alcohol Treatment Centre, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Av. Beaumont 21 Bis, Pavillon 2, Lausanne CH-1011, Switzerland)

  • Stéphanie Baggio

    (Institute for Social Sciences, University of Lausanne, Geopolis Building, Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland)

  • Joseph Studer

    (Alcohol Treatment Centre, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Av. Beaumont 21 Bis, Pavillon 2, Lausanne CH-1011, Switzerland)

  • Alexandra A. N'Goran

    (Alcohol Treatment Centre, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Av. Beaumont 21 Bis, Pavillon 2, Lausanne CH-1011, Switzerland)

  • Marc Dupuis

    (Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Geopolis Building, Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland)

  • Yves Henchoz

    (Alcohol Treatment Centre, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Av. Beaumont 21 Bis, Pavillon 2, Lausanne CH-1011, Switzerland)

  • Meichun Mohler-Kuo

    (Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Zurich, Hirschengraben 84, Zurich CH-8001, Switzerland)

  • Jean-Bernard Daeppen

    (Alcohol Treatment Centre, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Av. Beaumont 21 Bis, Pavillon 2, Lausanne CH-1011, Switzerland)

  • Gerhard Gmel

    (Alcohol Treatment Centre, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Av. Beaumont 21 Bis, Pavillon 2, Lausanne CH-1011, Switzerland
    Addiction Switzerland, Case Postale 870, Lausanne CH-1001, Switzerland
    Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto ON M5T 1R8, Canada
    University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK)

Abstract

Objective : The present study investigates the use expectations, prevalence and frequency of neuroenhancement drug (ND) use among the Swiss male population, separating college students from others. Methods: Young Swiss men were invited to participate in the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors. A total of 5,967 participants responded to questions on six types of NDs (wakefulness medication, antidepressants, Alzheimer’s disease medication, Parkinson’s disease medication, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication, and beta-blockers). The frequency of use depending on five expectations (to enhance wakefulness, attention, memory, concentration and stress reduction) was analyzed for a twelve-month period. Results: (1) About 3% of the sample indicated use of at least one ND; (2) ADHD medication was the most prevalent; (3) The type of ND preferred differed depending on academic status (4). Quantitatively, over the year, college student users used ND much less frequently than other users. Conclusions: Prevalence of ND use is low in Switzerland relative to other countries such as the United States. Patterns of ND use differed depending on academic status, suggesting that while college student ND users tended to do so rarely (probably to enhance cognitive abilities for exams), non-college male users used other NDs more frequently (probably to “get high”).

Suggested Citation

  • Stéphane Deline & Stéphanie Baggio & Joseph Studer & Alexandra A. N'Goran & Marc Dupuis & Yves Henchoz & Meichun Mohler-Kuo & Jean-Bernard Daeppen & Gerhard Gmel, 2014. "Use of Neuroenhancement Drugs: Prevalence, Frequency and Use Expectations in Switzerland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:11:y:2014:i:3:p:3032-3045:d:33966
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