USE OF STIMULANT SUBSTANCES AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS: PREVALENCE, MOTIVATIONS, AND IMPACTS ON MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

The use of stimulant substances among medical students has become increasingly frequent within the academic environment, mainly due to excessive workload, sleep deprivation, and pressure for high academic performance. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the patterns of stimulant consumption among medical students, as well as their possible repercussions on mental health and academic routine. This is an observational, cross-sectional study with a qualitative-quantitative approach, based on a narrative literature review and complemented by primary data collection through a self-administered electronic questionnaire applied to medical students at Afya Palmas – Faculty of Medical Sciences. A total of 279 students participated in the study. The results demonstrated a high prevalence of stimulant use, especially caffeine (80.6%) and energy drinks (62.7%), in addition to significant use of methylphenidate (26.5%) and lisdexamfetamine (25.1%). The main motivations reported were improvement in concentration, compensation for sleep deprivation, and reduction of fatigue. Sleep disturbances, anxiety symptoms, and perception of dependence were also observed. It was concluded that stimulant consumption is widely disseminated among medical students, highlighting the need for institutional strategies aimed at mental health promotion and awareness regarding the risks associated with the indiscriminate use of these substances.