M. Huss

Bio: M. Huss is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Dextroamphetamine & Methylphenidate. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 3 publications receiving 267 citations.

Non-medical use of prescription stimulants and illicit use of stimulants for cognitive enhancement in pupils and students in Germany.

Abstract: Introduction The aim of this study was to assess for the first time the prevalence and factors associated with stimulant use exclusively for cognitive enhancement among pupils and university students in Germany. Methods A sample of 1 035 pupils (vocational and grammar schools) in small and big cities and 512 university students of 3 Departments (Medicine, Pharmacy, Economics) completed a questionnaire regarding knowledge and use of stimulants for cognitive enhancement and factors associated with their use. Results Lifetime prevalence for use of prescription stimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) for cognitive enhancement in pupils was 1.55% and in students 0.78%. Last-year and last-month prevalence rates were significantly lower. 2.42% of pupils and 2.93% of students reported lifetime illicit use of stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy) for cognitive enhancement with lower last-year and last-month rates. Prevalence was higher in male pupils, pupils from vocational schools and pupils with bad marks. Discussion The illicit use of stimulants for cognitive enhancement is significantly higher than non-medical use of prescription stimulants among pupils and students. Stimulant use is determined by gender, school type, and school marks. The potential risks associated with stimulant use require early awareness and intervention strategies.

Use of coffee, caffeinated drinks and caffeine tablets for cognitive enhancement in pupils and students in Germany.

Abstract: Substance use for cognitive enhancement (CE) is a topic of increasing importance There are only few data about substances, prevalence rates and factors associated with CE The aim of this study was to assess first data about the use of coffee, caffeinated drinks and caffeine tablets for CE at school and university A self-report questionnaire was developed to analyze 1 547 pupils and students about their use of coffee, caffeine tablets, and caffeinated drinks for CE and factors associated with this use Lifetime, past-year, and past-month prevalence for the use of coffee for CE was 532%, 85%, and 63%, for the use of caffeinated drinks 39%, 107%, and 63%, and for the use of caffeine tablets 105%, 38%, and 08% Use of caffeinated substances for CE was influenced by gender and school grades The use of coffee and caffeinated drinks for CE was found to be widespread in the surveyed population Although the use of caffeine tablets was found to be smaller than the above-mentioned means, it still indicates a relatively high disposition for using tablets for purposes of CE

[Stimulant and non-stimulant medication in current and future therapy for ADHD].

Abstract: The current pharmacotherapy for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is mainly based on the stimulant methylphenidate and to a small extent on amphetamines which are not approved in Germany. The only approved non-stimulant so far is atomoxetin (Strattera®), a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. There is no approved pharmacotherapy for adults. The aim of the available medication is a reduction of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and attention deficits. Neurobiological correlates of these effects are still not fully understood, however, a functional implication of dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems is known. To date there is no disease-modifying therapy. The currently available substances have limitations due to the short half-life of stimulants, the unknown pathomechanisms, and the use of stimulants in developing brains with possible long-term side-effects. Moreover, the abuse potential of stimulants is still controversially discussed. The recently developed Lisdexamfetamin and SPD-465 have stimulant effects, too. A number of different developmental substances in preclinical and clinical phases show other mechanisms: SPD-503 represents an α(2)A-adrenozeptoragonist, ABT-089 and ABT-418 have partial agonistic effects to the α(4)β(2)-subtype of nicotinic acetylcholinreceptors, CX-717, -1739, -1942 and -1796 are glutamatergic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-receptor agonists and PF-3 654 746 exhibits antagonistic properties to histaminergic H(3)-receptors. The α(2)A-adrenoceptor-agonist Guanfacine (Intuniv®) and the hepatic metabolised amphetamine prodrug Lisdexamfetamin (Vyvanse®) are yet approved for ADHD treatment in the USA. The aim of this review is to summarise established pharmacological treatment options and the stage of development of upcoming symptomatic stimulant and non-stimulant substances in ADHD therapy.

Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Update on recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology

Abstract: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition with a high societal burden. The present guidelines summarise current literature, generating expert consensus recommendations for the treatment of ADHD in children and adults. These guidelines also provide a review of recent research in the fields of neuroimaging, neuropsychology and genetics of ADHD. Novel discoveries in these areas have informed physiological models for the disease. Since the publication of the previous British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines in 2008, new drugs have been licensed and further compounds are being investigated. The publication of randomised controlled trials of psychological interventions has contributed to the range of treatment options for ADHD. As the disorder has been diagnosed more frequently there has been greater focus on comorbid conditions and how they impact treatment. Services have continued to develop for the treatment of ADHD in adults and care agreements have been introduced to facilitate access to treatment.

Misuse of Medicines in the European Union: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract: Background: Although awareness of the misuse of medicines is increasing, data on the extent of the problem in the European Union (EU) are lacking.

Smart Drugs “As Common As Coffee”: Media Hype about Neuroenhancement

Abstract: Background: The use of prescription drugs to improve cognitive functioning in normal persons -"neuroenhancement" - has gained recent attention from bioethicists and neuroscientists. Enthusiasts claim that the practice is widespread and increasing, and has many potential benefits; however recent evidence provides weak support for these claims. In this study we explored how the newsprint media portrays neuroenhancement.

Randomized response estimates for the 12-month prevalence of cognitive-enhancing drug use in university students.

Abstract: STUDY OBJECTIVE: To estimate the 12-month prevalence of cognitive-enhancing drug use. DESIGN: Paper-and-pencil questionnaire that used the randomized response technique. SETTING: University in Mainz, Germany. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2569 university students who completed the questionnaire. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: An anonymous, specialized questionnaire that used the randomized response technique was distributed to students at the beginning of classes and was collected afterward. From the responses, we calculated the prevalence of students taking drugs only to improve their cognitive performance and not to treat underlying mental disorders such as attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder, depression, and sleep disorders. The estimated 12-month prevalence of using cognitive-enhancing drugs was 20%. Prevalence varied by sex (male 23.7%, female 17.0%), field of study (highest in students studying sports-related fields, 25.4%), and semester (first semester 24.3%, beyond first semester 16.7%). To our knowledge, this is the first time that the randomized response technique has been used to survey students about cognitive-enhancing drug use. CONCLUSION: Using the randomized response technique, our questionnaire provided data that showed a high 12-month prevalence of cognitive-enhancing drug use in German university students. Our study suggests that other direct survey techniques have underestimated the use of these drugs. Drug prevention programs need to be established at universities to address this issue. Language: en

To Dope or Not to Dope: Neuroenhancement with Prescription Drugs and Drugs of Abuse among Swiss University Students

Abstract: Background: Neuroenhancement is the use of substances by healthy subjects to enhance mood or cognitive function. The prevalence of neuroenhancement among Swiss university students is unknown. Investigating the prevalence of neuroenhancement among students is important to monitor problematic use and evaluate the necessity of prevention programs. Study aim: To describe the prevalence of the use of prescription medications and drugs of abuse for neuroenhancement among Swiss university students. Method: In this cross-sectional study, students at the University of Zurich, University of Basel, and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich were invited via e-mail to participate in an online survey. Results: A total of 28,118 students were contacted, and 6,275 students completed the survey. Across all of the institutions, 13.8% of the respondents indicated that they had used prescription drugs (7.6%) or drugs of abuse including alcohol (7.8%) at least once specifically for neuroenhancement. The most frequently used prescription drugs for neuroenhancement were methylphenidate (4.1%), sedatives (2.7%), and beta-blockers (1.2%). Alcohol was used for this purpose by 5.6% of the participants, followed by cannabis (2.5%), amphetamines (0.4%), and cocaine (0.2%). Arguments for neuroenhancement included increased learning (66.2%), relaxation or sleep improvement (51.2%), reduced nervousness (39.1%), coping with performance pressure (34.9%), increased performance (32.2%), and experimentation (20%). Neuroenhancement was significantly more prevalent among more senior students, students who reported higher levels of stress, and students who had previously used illicit drugs. Although “soft enhancers”, including coffee, energy drinks, vitamins, and tonics, were used daily in the month prior to an exam, prescription drugs or drugs of abuse were used much less frequently. Conclusions: A significant proportion of Swiss university students across most academic disciplines reported neuroenhancement with prescription drugs and drugs of abuse. However, these substances are rarely used on a daily basis and more sporadically used prior to exams.