Use of cognitive enhancement medication among Northern Italian university students

This study assesses the use of cognitive enhancement medication
among university students in Northern Italy. It was conducted as a
cross-sectional analysis on the basis of a paper-and-pencil survey
of 77 undergraduate students attending courses in the Faculty of
Medicine of the University of Milan, Milano, Italy. Although the
share of students who have taken cognitive enhancement medication
themselves in the past is still small (16%), the use of these drugs
is rather common and freely communicated in some social circles.
Enhancing the ability to study outside of the class was students’
primary motive for use. Students who think that there is no or an
acceptable risk involved in cognitive enhancement medication are
more likely to take drugs and dietary supplements than those who
perceive the risk as high.