Abstract

Context: Cognitive enhancing drugs (CED) can be beneficial in treating symptoms like fatigue, but usage can also cause heart conditions or loss of efficacy with long-term usage. The use of CED has been increasing worldwide, within medically diagnosed individuals and non-medically diagnosed individuals. Strategies to reduce CED use seem based on little available evidence and a knowledge gap has been found regarding the inclusion of user perceptions of strategies aiming at reducing CED use. This study aims to decrease this existing knowledge gap by exploring user perceptions of strategies aiming to reduce CED use in the Netherlands.

Methods: An exploratory research was conducted, with the use of online surveys. The surveys were developed based on literature, and distributed through snowballing via social media. Data were analysed with the program Atlas.ti, with an inductive form of coding.

Results: Participants (N=31) reported positive perceptions related to strategies such as offering therapies before prescribing CED to medically diagnosed individuals and reducing study pressure. Negative user perceptions were related to increasing the price of CED and mandatory CED tests before examination in educational institutions. Increasing barriers to obtaining CED was perceived as unfeasible by users. Further user recommendations focused on educational systems, alternatives, and organizational supervision.

Conclusion: This exploratory study offers a starting point for further research of the needed reduction of CED use, for public health benefit. A highlight is the potential efficiency of decreasing study pressure and overall stress to reduce CED use, as the majority of participants state this as cause for their CED use. The perspectives and ideas of participants revealed willingness to change and opportunities to effectively create this change. Future research should focus on preventative strategies, such as offering efficient therapies, reducing study pressure, and decreasing overall stress.