I think this research is pointing out that using ADHD-like medication as "smart drugs" for school work in people without ADD/ADHD is problematic. I don't know exactly how they are used by those without a medical need, but I thought it was as temporary fixes, not taken habitually.
The article specifically says:
> More work will be needed to establish exactly why these drugs have these effects in those without a medical need for them, as well as to explore the potential impacts of other so-called smart drugs.
That is the point of the study, but in my non-scientific opinion it seems like a very poorly crafted study.
Nobody is going to have issues with attention/motivation during the one, short task they were assigned at some study. It's a very novel, motivating environment.
And then of course if you're feeling the effects of a new drug, you'll be "off" a bit.
This doesn't really prove anything about kids who take it for a few nights during exam week to study.
> I think this research is pointing out that using ADHD-like medication as "smart drugs" for school work in people without ADD/ADHD is problematic.
Yes, but the conclusions drawn by this study and others are frequently wielded against people who do have ADHD. The very term "smart drugs" comes from this mindset - the belief that these drugs don't paper over an ailment, rather they make the user "smarter."
The article specifically says:
> More work will be needed to establish exactly why these drugs have these effects in those without a medical need for them, as well as to explore the potential impacts of other so-called smart drugs.