Tess E Smith1, Michelle M Martel1, Alan D DeSantis2. 1. a Department of Psychology , University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky , USA. 2. b Department of Communication , University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky , USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Side effects of prescribed and nonprescribed psychostimulant use are understudied. OBJECTIVES: The study examined side effects of prescribed and nonprescribed psychostimulant use in a college sample with attention to possible gender differences. METHODS: 2716 undergraduates (1448 male) between the ages of 17 and 57 years (M = 19.43 years, SD = 1.7 years) completed an online survey that included questions about the subjective side effects of prescribed and nonprescribed psychostimulant use. RESULTS: Results suggested that prescribed users more frequently reported side effects, compared to nonprescribed users. For prescribed users, females more frequently reported appetite, somatic, and anxiety-related side effects compared to males. For nonprescribed users, while females reported more somatic and anxiety-related side effects, males more frequently reported loss of sex drive and sweating as side effects. Conclusions/Importance: These findings suggest prescribed users of psychostimulants more frequently report side effects with prominent gender differences in line with gender roles.
BACKGROUND: Side effects of prescribed and nonprescribed psychostimulant use are understudied. OBJECTIVES: The study examined side effects of prescribed and nonprescribed psychostimulant use in a college sample with attention to possible gender differences. METHODS: 2716 undergraduates (1448 male) between the ages of 17 and 57 years (M = 19.43 years, SD = 1.7 years) completed an online survey that included questions about the subjective side effects of prescribed and nonprescribed psychostimulant use. RESULTS: Results suggested that prescribed users more frequently reported side effects, compared to nonprescribed users. For prescribed users, females more frequently reported appetite, somatic, and anxiety-related side effects compared to males. For nonprescribed users, while females reported more somatic and anxiety-related side effects, males more frequently reported loss of sex drive and sweating as side effects. Conclusions/Importance: These findings suggest prescribed users of psychostimulants more frequently report side effects with prominent gender differences in line with gender roles.
Entities:
Keywords:
Psychostimulants; gender differences; nonprescribed use; side effects
Authors: Marilyn Huckans; Stephen Boyd; Grant Moncrief; Nathan Hantke; Bethany Winters; Kate Shirley; Emily Sano; Holly McCready; Laura Dennis; Milky Kohno; William Hoffman; Jennifer M Loftis Journal: J Clin Exp Neuropsychol Date: 2021-10-06 Impact factor: 2.283
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