Over-the-counter stimulant, depressant, and nootropic use by veterinary students

Abstract

US veterinary students are subject to significant stress throughout their veterinary education. In this article, the authors characterize the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications and relate their use to stress in a veterinary student population. Of the students sampled, 35% were OTC medication users; 33% of these were regular OTC medication users. Forty-three percent of students were energy drink (ED) users; 45% of these were regular ED users. OTC medication users had significantly higher stress scores than non-OTC medication users, and ED users had significantly higher anxiety scores than non-ED users. The most common reasons for use given by OTC medication users were to help with studying and to fall asleep at night. Depression scores were significantly higher for juniors and sophomores than for freshmen. Depression, stress, and anxiety scores were all lower in the Colorado State University students when compared with the University of Georgia students. OTC medication and ED veterinary student users had distinct characteristics that differed from those of nonusers. Users suffered from more stress and anxiety and had more difficulties with sleep, which may have affected their overall health and academic performance. Educating veterinary students about the consequences of using OTC medication and ED and providing counseling support may be of benefit to veterinary students' psychological well-being.