USE OF PSYCHOSTIMULANTS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS IN THE CITY OF IMPERATRIZ, MARANHÃO, BRAZIL

Abstract

This article aimed to evaluate the use of psychostimulants among medical students from higher education institutions in the city of Imperatriz, Maranhão, Brazil, identifying the consumption profile, the main motivations associated with use, and the possible impacts related to health and the academic context of the participants. This was an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study with a quantitative approach, conducted with medical students from two public universities and one private institution. Data collection was performed through a structured self-administered questionnaire containing sociodemographic, academic, and psychostimulant-related variables, including frequency of use, medical prescription, forms of access, motivations, and adverse effects.The results demonstrated a high prevalence of psychostimulant use, with predominance of occasional and regular consumption, mainly without medical prescription. The most commonly used stimulants were energy drinks, coffee, lisdexamfetamine, and methylphenidate, with the main motivations related to increased concentration, improved focus, and reduced fatigue. Important adverse effects were also observed, especially anxiety, insomnia, and sleep disturbances. It was concluded that the indiscriminate use of these substances represents an important health issue among medical students, reinforcing the need for educational actions and mental health promotion strategies within the university environment.