The Use of Novel Stimulants in ADHD Self-Medication: A Mixed Methods Analysis

Numerous individuals suffer from attentional issues, such as ADHD. While medication is considered the first-line treatment, it is unavailable to some. As a result, certain individuals are choosing to self-medicate with novel stimulants, a phenomenon that remains poorly understood. We aimed to investigate which NPSs are being used to self-medicate ADHD, evaluate their perceived effectiveness, and explore the experiences and motivations of those self-medicating.

Data from respondents (n = 225) (mean age [SD] = 29.5 ± 9.6; male = 83%; female = 12%; non-binary = 5%) were collected via an online survey, with nine participants (mean age = 31.4; male = 5; female = 1; non-binary = 3) undertaking further semi-structured interviews and the data being investigated using a framework analysis.

The most-used NPSs were 4F-MPH and 2-FMA. Some individuals perceived self-medication to be more effective than conventional treatment (p < 0.001). A framework analysis identified the following themes surrounding novel stimulant self-medication: (1) the use of NPS stimulants as a stopgap between treatments; (2) poor access to ADHD treatment; (3) a lack of openness and confidence in psychiatrists and healthcare providers.

Novel stimulants are being used when access to ADHD treatment is poor. Interventions should aim to reduce long treatment wait times and issues surrounding geographical access. Careful consideration should be given before denying stimulant medication to individuals with co-occurring substance use and psychiatric comorbidity. Individuals desire a more patient-centred ADHD treatment with broader pharmacotherapies.