The Association Between Quality of Diet, Frequency of Caffeine Consumption, Mental Distress, and Illicit ADHD Drug Use

Abstract

The illicit use of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (or ADHD) medications as study drugs is becoming common among undergraduate students. These “study drugs” are predominantly used to improve memory, focus, and attention with the end goal of boosting academic performance; however, studies on illicit drug use have hinted towards negative side effects that have the potential to compromise both mental and physical health. The relationship between lifestyle habits (i.e. diet and exercise) and illicit ADHD medication use is still unexplored; thus, the purpose of this study was to identify relationships between exercise patterns, caffeine consumption, dietary habits, and illicit ADHD medication use. An anonymous survey was sent to several universities via online platforms using Google Forms. A total of 1187 students completed the survey. The survey was comprised of the validated Food‐Mood Questionnaire, and included questions that addressed ADHD medication use frequency, academic performance, education on the effects of ADHD medication, and physical health. Our results reveal a statistically significant positive correlation between frequency of caffeine use and frequency of other drug use (including depressants and psychostimulants such as Adderall) (p < 0.01). Additionally, a positive correlation was detected between frequency of caffeine consumption and various hallmarks of mental distress, including feelings of worthlessness, depression, and restlessness (p < 0.01, 0.05, and 0.01 respectively). Additionally, there was a negative correlation between consumption of nutritious, healthy foods and illicit ADHD medication usage (p < 0.05). Considering all, a potential vicious cycle may exist. Those who illicitly use psychostimulants develop poorer dietary habits negatively impacting brain function, which may trigger higher consumption of caffeine as a stimulant.