Examining the misuse of ADHD stimulants among young adults

A prospective examination of stimulant diversion and related risk factors for young adults with childhood- or adult-diagnosed ADHD

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10850664

This study looks at how young adults with ADHD might misuse their stimulant medications, like sharing or selling them, and aims to understand why this happens so we can find better ways to prevent it.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10850664 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how ADHD stimulants are misused by young adults, focusing on the factors that contribute to this behavior. It aims to understand the patterns of stimulant diversion, which includes sharing, selling, or trading these medications. By studying individuals diagnosed with ADHD, both in childhood and adulthood, the research seeks to identify risk factors associated with the misuse of these drugs. The study will collect data over time to provide insights that could inform prevention strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 18-25 who have been diagnosed with ADHD and are currently prescribed stimulant medications.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a diagnosis of ADHD or are not prescribed stimulant medications are unlikely to benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies for stimulant misuse, ultimately improving the safety and well-being of young adults with ADHD.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been small cross-sectional studies on stimulant misuse, this research takes a novel prospective approach that has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.