Universities 'need smart drugs policies'

Mon 22 Feb 2010

Universities have been encouraged to carry out random tests for traces of drugs such as Ritalin in students.

According to Professor Barbara Sahakian of Cambridge University, a growing number of students are taking so-called smart drugs.

This type of medication is traditionally used to treat people with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, as it can boost the brain's acetylcholine levels.

As a result, healthy people who take smart drugs can become more alert and focused, which can potentially improve their performance in exams.

Professor Sahakian, who specialises in clinical neuropsychology, has therefore encouraged universities to put a series of policies in place to help manage this problem.

She stated that many higher education students are being pressured by their peers into taking drugs such as Ritalin and Modafinil before sitting an exam.

This, she said, is despite the fact that they do not actually want to take medication of this kind.

The recommendation comes after Professor John Harris of the University of Manchester told the British Medical Journal that healthy students should be allowed to take Ritalin to boost their brain power.

Stephen Hart of Winckworth Sherwood Solicitors commented: "Universities must do two things: ensure that their policies permit them to undertake random tests on students; and check that contracts with students allow university authorities either to prevent students who are suspected of taking performance-enhancing drugs taking examinations or from receiving their degrees.

"If universities don't have the power to test, drugs policies become unenforceable.

"If universities do not expressly reserve the power to withhold degrees or to prevent students sitting examinations, students have an arguable case against the institution.

"In addition, universities must co-ordinate action in this area to ensure that there is consistency across the sector."