Motives for the non-prescribed use of psychiatric medications: relationships with psychopathology, other substance use and patterns of use

AbstractObjectives: Psychiatric medications are commonly used without a valid prescription for therapeutic and non-therapeutic reasons. This study aimed to examine the associated features of therapeutic and non-therapeutic motives for use among non-prescribed users of anxiolytic, sedative and stimulant medications recruited from the community.Method: Participants (n = 72) completed face-to-face interviews and questionnaires assessing medication use and misuse, other substance use and non-substance-related psychopathology. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine factors relating to primary motives for use.Results: Non-therapeutic motives for use of anxiolytics, sedatives and stimulants were associated with a more extensive history of other substance use, as compared to therapeutic motives. Men were more likely than women to report using anxiolytics and sedatives for non-therapeutic motives. No symptoms of psychopathology, including anxiety disorders or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,...