Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: News

Despite the bundled clothing, early morning frosts and free hot chocolate in academic quad, 'tis the season of study rooms, study dates and study food at DePauw. And with it all comes the pressure to perform on papers, exams and presentations. As these deadlines approach, some students are finding extreme ways to manage the stress.

Study drugs

Using attention deficit drugs like Ritalin and Adderall is one way that DePauw students seem to be coping with the mounting pressure of schoolwork and exams.

Typically prescribed for the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), "study drugs" as they are sometimes referred to, are amphetamines or brain stimulants that help people with attention disorders stay calm and focused.

In the hands of those without diagnoses, however, the effect is described as "awesome" and "magical," according to two DePauw students who have used the drugs to improve their academic performances. Names have been changed in order to protect the individuals' privacy.

"A lot of times the college lifestyle mandates that you do a lot of studying in one day," Pat said. "[Drugs] make an otherwise miserable experience a lot less miserable."

Pat, who admits to having taken drugs on two occasions for this purpose, said he's not alone in what he calls a growing college trend.

"I would say that over half of the student body here has done it at least once," he said.

Jamie, who, like Pat, has never been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD but takes study drugs regularly, said that abuse of Adderall and Ritalin is extremely prevalent at DePauw.

"It's very easy to get a hold of it," Jamie said. "Within three minutes of making a call, I got what I wanted."

He added that when he took the drug, "I was in a great mood. I don't know if I was just better at looking through the book or what, but it made me better at remembering facts that I otherwise would have considered insignificant."

Though the DePauw University Handbook does not specifically address the use of Adderall or Ritalin, it forbids the unauthorized use of controlled substances. In the group's September 2007 minutes, the Alcohol and Other Drug task force noted that the Other Drug Committee has reviewed its charge and has added the use of Adderall and other study drugs to its scope.

University physician Dr. Scott Ripple said that students like Pat and Jamie are engaging in "very risky" behavior.

"I think it's an extremely bad idea to share prescription medication," Ripple said.

He added that possible side effects of stimulant medications can include high blood pressure, tremors, seizures and cardiovascular effects that can leave students comatose.

Though Pat boasts "such an overriding thirst for knowledge" while taking the drug, he is concerned about some of the other side effects that he experienced.

"Fifteen hours after taking [the drug] my heart was pounding," Pat said. "I could not slow it down. It was pounding out of my chest. It certainly deters me from doing it very often and I don't think that it has much of a negative affect on me, but it concerns me for the people who take it everyday. It also kills your appetite. When I took it, I didn't eat all day and basically it just made me feel pretty sick."

Jamie, however, said that he felt fine after taking it.

Though Jamie and Pat may experience distinct reactions, both are certain that it will be in high demand in the last weeks of the semester.

Ripple said that the Wellness Center has a protocol in place for the prescription of stimulants and anti-depressants. If students have been prescribed Adderall or Ritalin by their home physicians, the center will review their medical file and may recommend additional screening before re-prescribing. Students identified by counselors to have symptoms of ADD or ADHD may be additionally screened for depression or anxiety, which has similar symptoms, before a stimulant medication will be prescribed for the first time.

General wellness and stress management

Ripple said he sees an increase in student visits to Health Services the week before finals as students search for ways to cope with the stress of the season.

"This week will probably be our busiest."

Ripple said he's concerned about the physical consequences of late night cramming.

"I feel that stress, fatigue and lack of sleep all keep your immune system from working as well as it should."

He also said a typical college age student should be able to recover from viruses and colds in a timely manner.

"As finals get close, people think there's high stakes," said Assistant Director of Counseling Services Ethan Bliss. "There are more demands on them psychologically and physically."

Bliss said maintaining normal eating and sleeping routines encourages the general wellness that promotes healthy stress management.

Ripple encourages students to get more sleep around finals time. He added that while it may seem counterproductive, "if you don't get adequate sleep, you have problems focusing and retaining information."

He said he found he did better on his own exams and assignments in medical school when he got a good night's sleep.

"I really discourage all-nighters. I hope students develop time management skills and learn how to use them."

Bliss agreed that physically-exhausted bodies lead to poor test performance. In addition to adequate sleep, he urges students to include both regular exercise and relaxation into study schedules.

"I recommend building in relaxation breaks. If that involves an appropriate amount of alcohol and you're of age, that's fine."

But Bliss said he wants to encourage students to find alternatives to drinking and medications. He advises talking with friends, finding a "vent partner" and leaning on family for support.

Bliss said DePauw's "culture of excellence" feeds stress levels, but that many high-achieving students arrive on campus with their own stress management strategies.

"I think that DePauw students really do well under stress, for the most part."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools