Use of prescription medication among university students in the UK: "Study drugs" & ADHD

The research behind this film is based on the use of prescription medication among young people, in the United Kingdom, both prescribed, and un-prescribed. Research has been gained through filmed interviews, with both experts and users. Specifically, the film is concerned with medication used to treat conditions such as ADHD, and ADD, (refer to DSM V). When taken by an un-diagnosed person, (and to a certain extent a diagnosed user), the medication  has been found to increase focus levels, and improve working memory; allowing the drug to become popular among students for studying purposes, as well as being used selectively by prescribed users. The aim of the research, is centred on whether the extensive prescription of amphetamine based drugs, for ADHD/ADD patients, facilitates widespread use for studying purposes among non-prescribed students, as such drugs are readily available to young people, and used in increasing amounts of educational institutions in the UK. Further to this, alternative methods of treatment for ADHD and ADD are considered.

The film takes a phenomenological approach, with its authors being from Anthropological areas of study. The film creates an understanding of student’s experiences and attitudes towards the use of “study drugs”: taking into account personal circumstance and environment of the user. The film also combines psychological and pharmacological approaches, mainly in regard to ADHD/ADD and the medication of such behavioural problems.

Research has been gained largely through interviews, but secondary sources play an extensive role in the formation of statistics. Furthermore, it must be emphasised that the film is centred on research that suggests and explores, rather than confirms as fact, and ultimately, the aim of the film is to invite discussion and further thought from a varied range of sources, on some very large societal, and pharmacological issues.