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Brain doping: stimulants use and misuse among a sample of Italian college students. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2017; 58:E130-E140. [PMID: 28900353 PMCID: PMC5584082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The non-medical use of prescription stimulants (NMUPS) has become the subject of great interest for its diffusion among university students, who abuse these substances to cope with the increasing load of academic stress. NMUPS has been widely investigated in the U.S. due to its increasing trend; this behavior, however, has also been reported in Europe. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine stimulants misuse in a Northern Italian geographic area, identifying possible developments of the phenomenon in Italy. METHODS To evaluate academic and extra-academic NMUPS (Methylphenidate and Amphetamines), an anonymous multiplechoice questionnaire was administrated to a sample of Bachelor's and Master's degrees students attending a University North East of Italy. Data elaboration and CI 95% were performed with Excel software 2013. Fisher's exact tests were performed using Graph- Pad INSTAT software. RESULTS Data from 899 correctly completed questionnaires were analyzed in this study. 11.3% of students reported NMUPS, with an apparent greater use by students aged 18-22 years (73.5%) and without any statistically significant gender predominance. Fifty-seven point eight percent of students used stimulants at most five times in six months, and the most frequent academic and extra-academic reasons to use them were respectively to improve concentration while studying (51.0%) and sports performance (25.5%). NMUPS was higher among working students than nonworking ones (p < 0.05), suggesting a use of stimulants to cope with stress by the first ones. CONCLUSIONS These exploratory and preliminary data suggest that NMUPS is quite relevant in Northern Italy, suggesting a need for preventive and monitoring measures, as well as future analysis via a longitudinal multicenter study.
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d'Angelo LSC, Savulich G, Sahakian BJ. Lifestyle use of drugs by healthy people for enhancing cognition, creativity, motivation and pleasure. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:3257-3267. [PMID: 28427114 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, there is continued, and in some cases growing, availability of not only psychoactive substances, including treatments for mental health disorders such as cognitive enhancers, which can enhance or restore brain function, but also 'recreational' drugs such as novel psychoactive substances (NPS). The use of psychoactive drugs has both benefits and risks: whilst new drugs to treat cognitive symptoms in neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders could have great benefits for many patient groups, the increasing ease of accessibility to recreational NPS and the increasing lifestyle use of cognitive enhancers by healthy people means that the effective management of psychoactive substances will be an issue of increasing importance. Clearly, the potential benefits of cognitive enhancers are large and increasingly relevant, particularly as the population ages, and for this reason, we should continue to devote resources to the development of cognitive enhancers as treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia. However, the increasing use of cognitive enhancers by healthy individuals raises safety, ethical and regulatory concerns, which should not be ignored. Similarly, understanding the short- and long-term consequences of the use of NPS, as well as better understanding the motivations and profiles of users could promote more effective prevention and harm reduction measures. Linked Articles This article is part of a themed section on Pharmacology of Cognition: a Panacea for Neuropsychiatric Disease? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.19/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-S Camilla d'Angelo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - George Savulich
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Barbara J Sahakian
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, UK
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Cruz S, Sumstine S, Mendez J, Bavarian N. Health-compromising practices of undergraduate college students: Examining racial/ethnic and gender differences in characteristics of prescription stimulant misuse. Addict Behav 2017; 68:59-65. [PMID: 28088745 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Lehoux P, Williams-Jones B, Grimard D, Proulx S. Technologies of the self in public health: insights from public deliberations on cognitive and behavioural enhancement. CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2017.1300637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. Lehoux
- Department of Health Management, Evaluation and Policy, University of Montreal, Institute of Public Health Research of University of Montreal (IRSPUM), University of Montreal Research Chair on Responsible Innovation in Health, Montreal, Canada
| | - B. Williams-Jones
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, IRSPUM, Montreal, Canada
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Arria AM, Caldeira KM, Vincent KB, O'Grady KE, Cimini MD, Geisner IM, Fossos-Wong N, Kilmer JR, Larimer ME. Do college students improve their grades by using prescription stimulants nonmedically? Addict Behav 2017; 65:245-249. [PMID: 27469455 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many college students engage in nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NPS) because they believe it provides academic benefits, but studies are lacking to support or refute this belief. METHODS Using a longitudinal design, 898 undergraduates who did not have an ADHD diagnosis were studied. Year 3 GPA (from college records) of four groups was compared: Abstainers (did not engage in NPS either year; 68.8%); Initiators (NPS in Year 3 but not Year 2; 8.7%); Desisters (NPS in Year 2 but not Year 3; 5.8%); and Persisters (NPS in both years; 16.7%). Generalized estimating equations regression was used to estimate the association between NPS and change in GPA, controlling for sex and Year 2 GPA. RESULTS GPA increased significantly within Abstainers (p<0.05), but did not change significantly within the other groups. Overall, the relationship between NPS pattern group and change in GPA was not statistically significant (p=0.081). NPS was generally infrequent, but Persisters used more frequently than Desisters (11.7 versus 3.4days in Year 2) and Initiators (13.6 versus 4.0days in Year 3, both ps<0.001), controlling for sex and Year 2 GPA. CONCLUSIONS We cannot rule out the possibility that NPS prevented declines in GPA, but we can conclude that students who engaged in NPS showed no increases in their GPAs and gained no detectable advantages over their peers. The results suggest that prevention and intervention strategies should emphasize that the promise of academic benefits from NPS is likely illusory.
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Franke AG, Lehmberg S, Soyka M. Pharmacological Neuroenhancement: teachers' knowledge and attitudes-Results from a survey study among teachers in Germany. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2016; 11:32. [PMID: 27646845 PMCID: PMC5029003 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-016-0077-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacological neuroenhancement (PN) is a topic of increasing importance. Its prevalence rates range from 1 % to more than 20 %. Students are a group that shows exceptionally high prevalence rates. However, little is known about teachers’ knowledge, management, attitudes and ethical judgements regarding PN. Methods A web-based survey containing 40 closed questions was developed. All teachers working at all private and public schools in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a state in northeastern Germany, were invited to participate after their respective school offices were contacted by telephone, email and mail. Results In total, 255 teachers participated in the survey. Of those, 73.3 % had already heard about PN in general, and 68.2 % had heard about PN in students. Their sources of knowledge were digital media such as TV (73.8 %) and the internet (40.6 %) and print media (64.7 %); their own students informed 29.9 % of the teachers about PN in general and 35.6 % of them about PN among students. Furthermore, 34.9 % of the surveyed teachers were convinced that PN substance use was ineffective in general, and 51.8 % of the surveyed teachers believed that PN substances were ineffective in achieving better grades. Only 1.2 % thought that none of the so-called PN substances could lead to addiction, and 37.6 % would classify PN substance use as general drug misuse. The highest values regarding risk of addiction were observed for illicit drugs. The prevalence of PN substance use was evaluated to be very low and to be significantly higher in male, highly skilled and college/university students. In total, 1.6 school lessons per year were used to discuss PN. Finally, 55.7 % of the surveyed teachers believed that performance-enhancing substances should be forbidden at schools. Conclusion Teachers, as an integral part of the education of children and adolescents, often know about PN substances and mostly refuse their use being afraid about the risk of addiction. However, regarding effects as well as side effects of PN substances, teachers have very different opinions. Furthermore, they seem to underestimate the prevalence among their students and broach the topic infrequently. Teachers should be sensitized for high prevalence rates and should broach the topic of PN more frequently to their students to prevent potential misuse of PN substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas G Franke
- Department of Social Work and Education, University of Neubrandenburg (University of Applied Sciences), Brodaer Str. 2, 17033, Neubrandenburg, Germany.
| | - Sophie Lehmberg
- Private Clinic Meiringen, Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, 3860 Meiringen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Soyka
- Private Clinic Meiringen, Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, 3860 Meiringen, Switzerland.,Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
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Mereu M, Chun LE, Prisinzano TE, Newman AH, Katz JL, Tanda G. The unique psychostimulant profile of (±)-modafinil: investigation of behavioral and neurochemical effects in mice. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 45:167-174. [PMID: 27545285 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of dopamine (DA) reuptake via the dopamine transporter (DAT) is a primary mechanism identified as underlying the therapeutic actions of (±)-modafinil (modafinil) and its R-enantiomer, armodafinil. Herein, we explored the neurochemical and behavioral actions of modafinil to better characterize its psychostimulant profile. Swiss-Webster mice were implanted with microdialysis probes in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAS) or core (NAC) to evaluate changes in DA levels related to acute reinforcing actions of drugs of abuse. Additionally, subjective effects were studied in mice trained to discriminate 10 mg/kg cocaine (i.p.) from saline. Modafinil (17-300 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased NAS and NAC DA levels that at the highest doses reached ~300% at 1 h, and lasted > 6 h in duration. These elevated DA levels did not show statistically significant regional differences between the NAS and NAC. Modafinil produced cocaine-like subjective effects at 56-100 mg/kg when administered at 5 and 60 min before the start of the session, and enhanced cocaine effects when the two were administered in combination. Despite sharing subjective effects with cocaine, modafinil's psychostimulant profile was unique compared to that of cocaine and like compounds. Modafinil had lower potency and efficacy than cocaine in stimulating NAS DA. In addition, the cocaine-like subjective effects of modafinil were obtained at lower doses and earlier onset times than expected based on its dopaminergic effects. These studies suggest that although inhibition of DA reuptake may be a primary mechanism underlying modafinil's therapeutic actions, non DA-dependent actions may be playing a role in its psychostimulant profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Mereu
- Medication Development Program, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Lauren E Chun
- Medication Development Program, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Thomas E Prisinzano
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Amy H Newman
- Medication Development Program, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.,Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan L Katz
- Psychobiology Section, Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gianluigi Tanda
- Medication Development Program, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
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Brand R, Wolff W, Ziegler M. Drugs As Instruments: Describing and Testing a Behavioral Approach to the Study of Neuroenhancement. Front Psychol 2016; 7:1226. [PMID: 27582720 PMCID: PMC4987358 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroenhancement (NE) is the non-medical use of psychoactive substances to produce a subjective enhancement in psychological functioning and experience. So far empirical investigations of individuals' motivation for NE however have been hampered by the lack of theoretical foundation. This study aimed to apply drug instrumentalization theory to user motivation for NE. We argue that NE should be defined and analyzed from a behavioral perspective rather than in terms of the characteristics of substances used for NE. In the empirical study we explored user behavior by analyzing relationships between drug options (use over-the-counter products, prescription drugs, illicit drugs) and postulated drug instrumentalization goals (e.g., improved cognitive performance, counteracting fatigue, improved social interaction). Questionnaire data from 1438 university students were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to address the question of whether analysis of drug instrumentalization should be based on the assumption that users are aiming to achieve a certain goal and choose their drug accordingly or whether NE behavior is more strongly rooted in a decision to try or use a certain drug option. We used factor mixture modeling to explore whether users could be separated into qualitatively different groups defined by a shared "goal × drug option" configuration. Our results indicate, first, that individuals' decisions about NE are eventually based on personal attitude to drug options (e.g., willingness to use an over-the-counter product but not to abuse prescription drugs) rather than motivated by desire to achieve a specific goal (e.g., fighting tiredness) for which different drug options might be tried. Second, data analyses suggested two qualitatively different classes of users. Both predominantly used over-the-counter products, but "neuroenhancers" might be characterized by a higher propensity to instrumentalize over-the-counter products for virtually all investigated goals whereas "fatigue-fighters" might be inclined to use over-the-counter products exclusively to fight fatigue. We believe that psychological investigations like these are essential, especially for designing programs to prevent risky behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Brand
- Sport and Exercise Psychology, University of PotsdamPotsdam, Germany
| | - Wanja Wolff
- Department of Sport Science, Sport Psychology, University of KonstanzKonstanz, Germany
| | - Matthias Ziegler
- Department of Psychology, Psychological Diagnostics, Humboldt Universität zu BerlinBerlin, Germany
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Vargo EJ, Petróczi A. "It Was Me on a Good Day": Exploring the Smart Drug Use Phenomenon in England. Front Psychol 2016; 7:779. [PMID: 27303339 PMCID: PMC4882335 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-medical use of prescription medication for the pursuit of increasing cognitive and intellectual capacities (defined neuroenhancement) has received growing attention from the scientific community and policymakers alike. To date, limited qualitative data exist exploring the nature of the phenomenon, especially as a potentially emerging trend among university students in England. Existing American literature suggests that students believe that neuroenhancement helps the individual to maximize his/her time, consenting a suitable balance between work and leisure. Students' motivation to experiment with neuroenhancement appears to be more in line with a need to regulate emotions surrounding study/work settings than to actually improve cognitive abilities beyond normal levels. This study aimed to qualitatively explore representations, motivations, beliefs, and consumption styles of a cohort of university student users residing in England. Through snowball sampling, 13 informants were contacted and interviewed regarding their experience with neuroenhancers. Narrations were analyzed and interpreted using qualitative analysis software and Grounded Theory methodology. Participants belonged to a broad variety of university courses and were predominantly habitual consumers of modafinil. Neuroenhancers were acquired either through friends or via the Internet. Motivations regarded the need to "catch up" and be on par with high achieving students. The entire cohort had previously experimented with other psychotropic substances. Synthetic compounds in particular were believed to be "gateway" drugs to using neuroenhancers. Experimentation with neuroenhancement can be seen as a self-governing strategy aimed at achieving continued focused productivity. Participants acknowledged sustainable benefits in neuroenhancement as it optimized work performance. The majority of the cohort also contemplated the possibility of using these drugs in the future once they entered the workforce. Neuroenhancing drug users expressed "situated morality," differentiating between using these substances for assessments (exams) or during revisions, finding only the former as an immoral conduct. In the present scenario, it appears that neuroenhancement is practiced by small numbers of students. Nonetheless, the instrumental views of psychotropic substances held by many young adults and the globalization of these practices make the normalization of neuroenhancement a plausible possibility of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth J Vargo
- Pharmacy and Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University Surrey, UK
| | - Andrea Petróczi
- Pharmacy and Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, Kingston University Surrey, UK
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Broer T, Pickersgill M, Deary IJ. The Movement of Research from the Laboratory to the Living Room: a Case Study of Public Engagement with Cognitive Science. NEUROETHICS-NETH 2016; 9:159-171. [PMID: 27429669 PMCID: PMC4927588 DOI: 10.1007/s12152-016-9259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Media reporting of science has consequences for public debates on the ethics of research. Accordingly, it is crucial to understand how the sciences of the brain and the mind are covered in the media, and how coverage is received and negotiated. The authors report here their sociological findings from a case study of media coverage and associated reader comments of an article ('Does bilingualism influence cognitive aging?') from Annals of Neurology. The media attention attracted by the article was high for cognitive science; further, as associates/members of the Centre where it was produced, the authors of the research reported here had rare insight into how the scientists responsible for the Annals of Neurology article interacted with the media. The data corpus included 37 news items and 228 readers' comments, examined via qualitative thematic analysis. Media coverage of the article was largely accurate, without merely copying the press release. Analysis of reader comments showed these to be an important resource for considering issues of import to neuroethics scholars, as well as to scientists themselves (including how science communication shapes and is shaped by ethical, epistemic, and popular discourse). In particular, the findings demonstrate how personal experiences were vital in shaping readers' accounts of their (dis)agreements with the scientific article. Furthermore, the data show how scientific research can catalyse political discussions in ways likely unanticipated by scientists. The analysis indicates the importance of dialogue between journalists, laboratory scientists and social scientists in order to support the communication of the messages researchers intend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tineke Broer
- />Usher Institute for Population Health Sciences and Informatics, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG UK
| | - Martyn Pickersgill
- />Usher Institute for Population Health Sciences and Informatics, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG UK
| | - Ian J. Deary
- />Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Dietz P, Soyka M, Franke AG. Pharmacological Neuroenhancement in the Field of Economics-Poll Results from an Online Survey. Front Psychol 2016; 7:520. [PMID: 27148128 PMCID: PMC4835716 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The use of over-the-counter, prescription, and illicit drugs to increase attention, concentration, or memory—often called (pharmacological) neuroenhancement—shows a broad range of prevalence rates among students. However, very little data is available on neuroenhancement among employed persons. The aim of this study was to provide first data on substance use for neuroenhancement among readers of the German “Handelsblatt” coming from the field of economics. Methods: Readers of the online edition of the Handelsblatt, a leading print and online medium for the field of economics, were invited to participate in a survey via a link on the journal homepage to complete a web-based questionnaire. Within the questionnaire, participants were asked for their gender, current age, current professional status, hours of work per week, prevalence rates of substance use for the purpose of neuroenhancement as well as for reasons of its use. Binary regression analyses with stepwise forward selection were used to predict the dependent variables “use of illicit and prescription drugs for neuroenhancement” (yes/no), “use of over-the-counter drugs for neuroenhancement” (yes/no), and “use of any drug for neuroenhancement” (yes/no). Results: A total of 1021 participants completed the anonymous survey. Lifetime prevalence for the use of any drug for neuroenhancement was 88.0% and for the use of illicit and prescription drugs for neuroenhancement 19.0%. Reasons and situations that predicted neuroenhancement with illicit and prescription drugs were “curiosity,” “to enhance mood,” ”for a confident appearance,” “stress/pressure to perform,” and “deadline pressure.” Discussion: The study shows that neuroenhancement with drugs is a widespread and frequent phenomenon among people belonging to the professional field of economics. Given in the literature that the use of drugs, especially prescription, and illicit drugs, may be associated with side effects, the high epidemic of drug use for neuroenhancement also shown in the present paper underlines the new public health concern of neuroenhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Dietz
- Department of Physical Activity and Public Health, Institute of Sport Science, University of Graz Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Soyka
- Private Clinic Meiringen, Clinic for Psychiatry and PsychotherapyMeiringen, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian UniversityMunich, Germany
| | - Andreas G Franke
- Department of Social Work and Education, University of Neubrandenburg Neubrandenburg, Germany
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Abstract
Media reporting of drug issues has important ramifications for public opinion of drugs and drug trends. This study was conducted to examine the media coverage of a specific new subcategory of drugs, so-called “designer drugs,” using coverage of a highly publicized attack in Miami as a case study. Broadcast news transcripts were analyzed to both identify themes in coverage of this attack and contextualize this reporting in the clinical literature on bath salts, the drug implicated in the attack. Textual analysis of broadcast coverage produced four major emergent themes: (1) vivid and sensational descriptions of the attack and of the effects of the drug, (2) discussion of bath salts use as an “epidemic,” (3) appeals to tighten legislation related to bath salts, and (4) silence on issues related to mental health. In addition, media reporting of this attack did not take into account potentially salient sources of information such as clinical research on rates of use and commonly reported behavioral effects of the drug to place bath salts use in context of this literature. Together, these findings suggest that media coverage of the Miami Zombie Attack framed a novel drug in incomplete and problematic terms. These framing choices dramatically underrepresented the role of mental health in the attack and led to inadequately informed health legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth DeFoster
- University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Brand R, Koch H. Using Caffeine Pills for Performance Enhancement. An Experimental Study on University Students' Willingness and Their Intention to Try Neuroenhancements. Front Psychol 2016; 7:101. [PMID: 26903909 PMCID: PMC4746440 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research has indicated that university students sometimes use caffeine pills for neuroenhancement (NE; non-medical use of psychoactive substances or technology to produce a subjective enhancement in psychological functioning and experience), especially during exam preparation. In our factorial survey experiment, we manipulated the evidence participants were given about the prevalence of NE amongst peers and measured the resulting effects on the psychological predictors included in the Prototype-Willingness Model of risk behavior. Two hundred and thirty-one university students were randomized to a high prevalence condition (read faked research results overstating usage of caffeine pills amongst peers by a factor of 5; 50%), low prevalence condition (half the estimated prevalence; 5%) or control condition (no information about peer prevalence). Structural equation modeling confirmed that our participants’ willingness and intention to use caffeine pills in the next exam period could be explained by their past use of neuroenhancers, attitude to NE and subjective norm about use of caffeine pills whilst image of the typical user was a much less important factor. Provision of inaccurate information about prevalence reduced the predictive power of attitude with respect to willingness by 40-45%. This may be because receiving information about peer prevalence which does not fit with their perception of the social norm causes people to question their attitude. Prevalence information might exert a deterrent effect on NE via the attitude-willingness association. We argue that research into NE and deterrence of associated risk behaviors should be informed by psychological theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Brand
- Sport and Exercise Psychology, University of Potsdam Potsdam, Germany
| | - Helen Koch
- Sport and Exercise Psychology, University of Potsdam Potsdam, Germany
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Wolff W, Sandouqa Y, Brand R. Using the simple sample count to estimate the frequency of prescription drug neuroenhancement in a sample of Jordan employees. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2016; 31:51-5. [PMID: 26818080 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological research indicates that the use of prescription drugs to enhance cognitive functioning is prevalent in Western countries, however, research on this phenomenon in Arab countries is lacking. Our study aimed to investigate the frequency of neuroenhancement (NE) using prescription drugs in a sample of employees in Jordan. METHODS A sample of 1186 employees (37.11±8.37 years old, 495 female), of whom 723 (35.65±7.53 years old, 396 female) served as teachers, completed a paper-pencil questionnaire. The single sample count technique (SSC) was used in order to secure confidential, self-reporting of prescription drug NE. RESULTS The 12-month prevalence of NE, estimated with the SSC was 15.43%. At 26.16%, the prevalence estimate was markedly higher in the subsample of teachers compared to non-teachers, 0.29%. Surprisingly, 336 participants did not use the SSC and directly affirmed or denied prescription drug NE. These direct responses yielded a prevalence of 11.57% for the full sample, 9.73% for the teachers and 15.60% for the non-teachers. CONCLUSION This is the first study of the frequency of NE in an Arab sample. Results indicate that the use of prescription drug NE is not limited to Western countries and that teachers in Jordan might constitute a high-risk population. Further, participants seem to differ in their use of indirect estimation methods for reporting prescription drug NE. For future research, it might be useful to triangulate standard self-reports and indirect estimation methods to assess NE. Possible cultural differences and specific high-risk populations for NE should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanja Wolff
- Sport and Exercise Psychology, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Yaser Sandouqa
- Sport and Exercise Psychology, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ralf Brand
- Sport and Exercise Psychology, University of Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany.
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O’Connor C, Joffe H. How the Public Engages With Brain Optimization: The Media-mind Relationship. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & HUMAN VALUES 2015; 40:712-743. [PMID: 26336326 PMCID: PMC4531115 DOI: 10.1177/0162243915576374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In the burgeoning debate about neuroscience's role in contemporary society, the issue of brain optimization, or the application of neuroscientific knowledge and technologies to augment neurocognitive function, has taken center stage. Previous research has characterized media discourse on brain optimization as individualistic in ethos, pressuring individuals to expend calculated effort in cultivating culturally desirable forms of selves and bodies. However, little research has investigated whether the themes that characterize media dialogue are shared by lay populations. This article considers the relationship between the representations of brain optimization that surfaced in (i) a study of British press coverage between 2000 and 2012 and (ii) interviews with forty-eight London residents. Both data sets represented the brain as a resource that could be manipulated by the individual, with optimal brain function contingent on applying self-control in one's lifestyle choices. However, these ideas emerged more sharply in the media than in the interviews: while most interviewees were aware of brain optimization practices, few were committed to carrying them out. The two data sets diverged in several ways: the media's intense preoccupation with optimizing children's brains was not apparent in lay dialogue, while interviewees elaborated beliefs about the underuse of brain tissue that showed no presence in the media. This article considers these continuities and discontinuities in light of their wider cultural significance and their implications for the media-mind relationship in public engagement with neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cliodhna O’Connor
- Division of Psychology & Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Helene Joffe
- Division of Psychology & Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
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Maier LJ, Schaub MP. The Use of Prescription Drugs and Drugs of Abuse for Neuroenhancement in Europe. EUROPEAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2015. [DOI: 10.1027/1016-9040/a000228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Pharmacological neuroenhancement, defined as the misuse of prescription drugs, illicit drugs, or alcohol for the purpose of enhancing cognition, mood, or prosocial behavior, is not widespread in Europe – nevertheless, it does occur. Thus far, no drug has been proven as safe and effective for cognitive enhancement in otherwise healthy individuals. European studies have investigated the misuse of prescription and illicit stimulants to increase cognitive performance as well as the use of tranquilizers, alcohol, and cannabis to cope with stress related to work or education. Young people in educational settings report pharmacological neuroenhancement more frequently than those in other settings. Although the regular use of drugs for neuroenhancement is not common in Europe, the irregular and low-dose usage of neuroenhancers might cause adverse reactions. Previous studies have revealed that obtaining adequate amounts of sleep and using successful learning techniques effectively improve mental performance, whereas pharmacological neuroenhancement is associated with ambiguous effects. Therefore, non-substance-related alternatives should be promoted to cope with stressful situations. This paper reviews the recent research on pharmacological neuroenhancement in Europe, develops a clear definition of the substances used, and formulates recommendations for practitioners regarding how to react to requests for neuroenhancement drug prescriptions. We conclude that monitoring the future development of pharmacological neuroenhancement in Europe is important to provide effective preventive measures when required. Furthermore, substance use to cope with stress related to work or education should be studied in depth because it is likely more prevalent and dangerous than direct neuroenhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa J. Maier
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction (ISGF), Associated Institute at the University of Zurich and WHO Collaborating Centre, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael P. Schaub
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction (ISGF), Associated Institute at the University of Zurich and WHO Collaborating Centre, Zurich, Switzerland
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Reflections on Addiction in Students Using Stimulants for Neuroenhancement: A Preliminary Interview Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:621075. [PMID: 26064931 PMCID: PMC4433654 DOI: 10.1155/2015/621075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The use of stimulants for the purpose of pharmacological neuroenhancement (NE) among students is a subject of increasing public awareness. The risk of addiction development by stimulant use for NE is still unanswered. Therefore, face-to-face interviews were carried out among 18 university students experienced in the nonmedical use of methylphenidate and amphetamines for NE assessing aspects of addiction. Interviews were tape-recorded, verbatim-transcribed, and analyzed using a qualitative approach. The interviews showed that participants--the majority had current or lifetime diagnoses of misuse or addiction to alcohol or cannabis-reported an awareness of the risk of addiction development associated with stimulant use and reported various effects which may increase their likelihood of future stimulant use, for example, euphoric effects, increase of self-confidence, and motivation. They also cited measures to counteract the development of addiction as well as measures taken to normalize again after stimulant use. Students were convinced of having control over their stimulant use and of not becoming addicted to stimulants used for NE. We can conclude that behavior and beliefs of the students in our sample appear to be risky in terms of addiction development. However, long-term empirical research is needed to estimate the true risk of addiction.
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Yu R, Wang B, Li S, Wang J, Zhou F, Chu S, He X, Wen X, Ni X, Liu L, Xie Q, Huang R. Cognitive enhancement of healthy young adults with hyperbaric oxygen: A preliminary resting-state fMRI study. Clin Neurophysiol 2015; 126:2058-67. [PMID: 25703942 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2015.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To date, no study has examined the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on the cognitive performance and spontaneous brain activity in healthy adults using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). Our aim was to reveal the neural mechanism underlying the change in cognitive performance caused by increased oxygen. METHODS In this study, we acquired fMRI data from 20 healthy young adults and used placebo-controlled (PBO) rsfMRI to identify the effect of HBO on the cognitive measures and the regional homogeneity (ReHo) in healthy adults. RESULTS Compared to the PBO group, the HBO group showed the following: (1) the scores of the spatial working memory and memory quotient were significantly increased after HBO administration; (2) the ReHo value was significantly increased in three clusters, the left hippocampus, right inferior frontal, and lingual gyri, and for these three clusters, their functional connectivity with the subcortical brain system was significantly increased after HBO administration; and (3) the changes of ReHo values in these clusters generated by HBO administration were correlated with several aspects of cognitive performance, clarifying the cognitive locus of the effect. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that the increased availability of oxygen can, to some extent, improve memory performance. SIGNIFICANT Our findings may improve our understanding of the role of HBO in clinical and practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghao Yu
- Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen and Neurorehabilitation, Liuhuaqiao Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Application, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shumei Li
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Application, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Medical Imaging, Guangdong No. 2 Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjing Wang
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Application, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen and Neurorehabilitation, Liuhuaqiao Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shufang Chu
- Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen and Neurorehabilitation, Liuhuaqiao Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianyou He
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Application, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Wen
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Application, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Ni
- Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen and Neurorehabilitation, Liuhuaqiao Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liqing Liu
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Application, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuyou Xie
- Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen and Neurorehabilitation, Liuhuaqiao Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ruiwang Huang
- Centre for Studies of Psychological Application, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.
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Franke AG, Bagusat C, Rust S, Engel A, Lieb K. Substances used and prevalence rates of pharmacological cognitive enhancement among healthy subjects. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2014; 264 Suppl 1:S83-90. [PMID: 25214391 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-014-0537-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacological "cognitive enhancement" (CE) is defined as the use of any psychoactive drug with the purpose of enhancing cognition, e.g. regarding attention, concentration or memory by healthy subjects. Substances commonly used as CE drugs can be categorized into three groups of drugs: (1) over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as coffee, caffeinated drinks/energy drinks, caffeine tablets or Ginkgo biloba; (2) drugs being approved for the treatment of certain disorders and being misused for CE: drugs to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) such as the stimulants methylphenidate (MPH, e.g. Ritalin(®)) or amphetamines (AMPH, e.g. Attentin(®) or Adderall(®)), to treat sleep disorders such as modafinil or to treat Alzheimer's disease such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors; (3) illicit drugs such as illicit AMPH, e.g. "speed", ecstasy, methamphetamine (crystal meth) or others. Evidence from randomized placebo-controlled trials shows that the abovementioned substances have limited pro-cognitive effects as demonstrated, e.g. regarding increased attention, increased cognitive speed or shortening of reaction times, but on the same time poses considerable safety risks on the consumers. Prevalence rates for the use of CE drugs among healthy subjects show a broad range from less than 1 % up to more than 20 %. The range in prevalence rates estimates results from several factors which are chosen differently in the available survey studies: type of subjects (students, pupils, special professions, etc.), degree of anonymity in the survey (online, face-to-face, etc.), definition of CE and substances used/misused for CE, which are assessed (OTC drugs, prescription, illicit drugs) as well as time periods of use (e.g. ever, during the past year/month/week, etc.). A clear and comprehensive picture of the drugs used for CE by healthy subjects and their adverse events and safety risks as well as comprehensive and comparable international data on the prevalence rates of CE among healthy subjects are of paramount importance for informing policy makers and healthcare professionals about CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas G Franke
- Department of Social Work and Education, University of Neubrandenburg, University of Applied Sciences, Brodaer Str. 2, 17033, Neubrandenburg, Germany,
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Schleim S. Whose well-being? Common conceptions and misconceptions in the enhancement debate. Front Syst Neurosci 2014; 8:148. [PMID: 25191232 PMCID: PMC4137240 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Schleim
- Theory and History of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Heymans Institute for Psychological Research, University of Groningen Groningen, Netherlands ; Research Center for Neurophilosophy and Ethics of Neurosciences, Munich Center for Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich, Germany
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Media reporting of neuroscience depends on timing, topic and newspaper type. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104780. [PMID: 25117741 PMCID: PMC4130600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid developments in neuroscientific techniques raise high expectations among the general public and therefore warrant close monitoring of the translation to the media and daily-life applications. The need of empirical research into neuroscience communication is emphasized by its susceptibility to evoke misconceptions and polarized beliefs. As the mass media are the main sources of information about (neuro-)science for a majority of the general public, the objective of the current research is to quantify how critically and accurately newspapers report on neuroscience as a function of the timing of publication (within or outside of periods of heightened media attention to neuroscience, termed "news waves"), the topic of the research (e.g. development, health, law) and the newspaper type (quality, popular, free newspapers). The results show that articles published during neuroscience news waves were less neutral and more optimistic, but not different in accuracy. Furthermore, the overall tone and accuracy of articles depended on the topic; for example, articles on development often had an optimistic tone whereas articles on law were often skeptical or balanced, and articles on health care had highest accuracy. Average accuracy was rather low, but articles in quality newspapers were relatively more accurate than in popular and free newspapers. Our results provide specific recommendations for researchers and science communicators, to improve the translation of neuroscience findings through the media: 1) Caution is warranted during periods of heightened attention (news waves), as reporting tends to be more optimistic; 2) Caution is also warranted not to follow topic-related biases in optimism (e.g., development) or skepticism (e.g., law); 3) Researchers should keep in mind that overall accuracy of reporting is low, and especially articles in popular and free newspapers provide a minimal amount of details. This indicates that researchers themselves may need to be more active in preventing misconceptions to arise.
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Racine E, Martin Rubio T, Chandler J, Forlini C, Lucke J. The value and pitfalls of speculation about science and technology in bioethics: the case of cognitive enhancement. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2014; 17:325-37. [PMID: 24402841 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-013-9539-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In the debate on the ethics of the non-medical use of pharmaceuticals for cognitive performance enhancement in healthy individuals there is a clear division between those who view "cognitive enhancement" as ethically unproblematic and those who see such practices as fraught with ethical problems. Yet another, more subtle issue, relates to the relevance and quality of the contribution of scholarly bioethics to this debate. More specifically, how have various forms of speculation, anticipatory ethics, and methods to predict scientific trends and societal responses augmented or diminished this contribution? In this paper, we use the discussion of the ethics of cognitive enhancement to explore the positive and negative contribution of speculation in bioethics scholarship. First, we review and discuss how speculation has relied on different sets of assumptions regarding the non-medical use of stimulants, namely: (1) terminology and framing; (2) scientific aspects such as efficacy and safety; (3) estimates of prevalence and consequent normalization; and (4) the need for normative reflection and regulatory guidelines. Second, three methodological guideposts are proposed to alleviate some of the pitfalls of speculation: (1) acknowledge assumptions more explicitly and identify the value attributed to assumptions; (2) validate assumptions with interdisciplinary literature; and (3) adopt a broad perspective to promote more comprehensive reflection. We conclude that, through the examination of the controversy about cognitive enhancement, we can employ these methodological guideposts to enhance the value of contributions from bioethics and minimize potential epistemic and practical pitfalls in this case and perhaps in other areas of bioethical debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Racine
- Neuroethics Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montreal, QC, H2W lR7, Canada,
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Neuroenhancement in Reflective Equilibrium: A Qualified Kantian Defense of Enhancing in Scholarship and Science. NEUROETHICS-NETH 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12152-014-9212-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Vargo EJ, James RA, Agyeman K, MacPhee T, McIntyre R, Ronca F, Petróczi A. Perceptions of assisted cognitive and sport performance enhancement among university students in England. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Wade L, Forlini C, Racine E. Generating genius: how an Alzheimer's drug became considered a 'cognitive enhancer' for healthy individuals. BMC Med Ethics 2014; 15:37. [PMID: 24885270 PMCID: PMC4063424 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6939-15-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, has been widely cited in media and bioethics literature on cognitive enhancement (CE) as having the potential to improve the cognitive ability of healthy individuals. In both literatures, this claim has been repeatedly supported by the results of a small study published by Yesavage et al. in 2002 on non-demented pilots (30–70 years old). The factors contributing to this specific interpretation of this study’s results are unclear. Methods We examined print media and interdisciplinary bioethics coverage of this small study, aiming to provide insight into how evidence from research may be shaped within different discourses, potentially influencing important policy, ethics, and clinical decisions. Systematic qualitative content analysis was used to examine how this study was reported in 27 media and 22 bioethics articles. Articles were analyzed for content related to: (1) headlines and titles; (2) colloquialisms; and, (3) accuracy of reporting of the characteristics and results of the study. Results In media and bioethics articles referencing this small study, strong claims were made about donepezil as a CE drug. The majority of headlines, titles, and colloquialisms used enhancement language and the majority of these suggest that donepezil could be used to enhance intellectual ability. Further, both literatures moved between reporting the results of the primary study and magnifying the perceived connection between these results and the CE debate that was alluded to in the primary study. Specific descriptions of the results overwhelmingly reported an improvement in performance on a flight simulator, while more general statements claimed donepezil enhanced cognitive performance. Further, a high level of reporting accuracy was found regarding study characteristics of the original study, but variable levels of accuracy surrounded the presentation of complex characteristics (i.e., methods) or contentious properties of the CE debate (i.e., initial health status of the study subjects). Conclusions Hyped claims of CE effects cannot be completely accounted for by sheer inaccuracy in reporting. A complex interaction between the primary and secondary literature, and expectations and social pressures related to CE appears to drive enthusiastic reports.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eric Racine
- Neuroethics Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, 110 avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal, QC H2W lR7, Canada.
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Mohamed AD. Reducing Creativity With Psychostimulants May Debilitate Mental Health and Well-Being. JOURNAL OF CREATIVITY IN MENTAL HEALTH 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/15401383.2013.875865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Use of neuroenhancement drugs: prevalence, frequency and use expectations in Switzerland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:3032-45. [PMID: 24625621 PMCID: PMC3987019 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110303032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The present study investigates the use expectations, prevalence and frequency of neuroenhancement drug (ND) use among the Swiss male population, separating college students from others. Methods: Young Swiss men were invited to participate in the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors. A total of 5,967 participants responded to questions on six types of NDs (wakefulness medication, antidepressants, Alzheimer’s disease medication, Parkinson’s disease medication, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication, and beta-blockers). The frequency of use depending on five expectations (to enhance wakefulness, attention, memory, concentration and stress reduction) was analyzed for a twelve-month period. Results: (1) About 3% of the sample indicated use of at least one ND; (2) ADHD medication was the most prevalent; (3) The type of ND preferred differed depending on academic status (4). Quantitatively, over the year, college student users used ND much less frequently than other users. Conclusions: Prevalence of ND use is low in Switzerland relative to other countries such as the United States. Patterns of ND use differed depending on academic status, suggesting that while college student ND users tended to do so rarely (probably to enhance cognitive abilities for exams), non-college male users used other NDs more frequently (probably to “get high”).
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Hildt E, Lieb K, Franke AG. Life context of pharmacological academic performance enhancement among university students--a qualitative approach. BMC Med Ethics 2014; 15:23. [PMID: 24606831 PMCID: PMC3973848 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6939-15-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Academic performance enhancement or cognitive enhancement (CE) via stimulant drug use has received increasing attention. The question remains, however, whether CE solely represents the use of drugs for achieving better academic or workplace results or whether CE also serves various other purposes. The aim of this study was to put the phenomenon of pharmacological academic performance enhancement via prescription and illicit (psycho-) stimulant use (Amphetamines, Methylphenidate) among university students into a broader context. Specifically, we wanted to further understand students’ experiences, the effects of use on students and other factors, such as pressure to perform in their academic and private lives. Methods A sample of 18 healthy university students reporting the non-medical use of prescription and illicit stimulants for academic performance enhancement was interviewed in a face-to-face setting. The leading questions were related to the situations and context in which the students considered the non-medical use of stimulants. Results Based on the resultant transcript, two independent raters identified six categories relating to the life context of stimulant use for academic performance enhancement: Context of stimulant use beyond academic performance enhancement, Subjective experience of enhancement, Timing of consumption, Objective academic results, Side effects, Pressure to perform. Conclusions The answers reveal that academic performance enhancement through the use of stimulants is not an isolated phenomenon that solely aims at enhancing cognition to achieve better academic results but that the multifaceted life context in which it is embedded is of crucial relevance. The participants not only considered the stimulants advantageous for enhancing academic performance, but also for leading an active life with a suitable balance between studying and time off. The most common reasons given for stimulant use were to maximize time, to increase motivation and to cope with memorizing. According to the interviews, there is a considerable discrepancy between subjective experiences and objective academic results achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Hildt
- Department of Philosophy, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Jakob Welder-Weg 18, D - 55099 Mainz, Germany.
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Cognitive Enhancement: Perceptions Among Parents of Children with Disabilities. NEUROETHICS-NETH 2014; 7:345-364. [PMID: 25431631 PMCID: PMC4241232 DOI: 10.1007/s12152-014-9201-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive enhancement is an increasingly discussed topic and policy suggestions have been put forward. We present here empirical data of views of parents of children with and without cognitive disabilities. Analysis of the interviews revealed six primary overarching themes: meanings of health and treatment; the role of medicine; harm; the ‘good’ parent; normality and self-perception; and ability. Interestingly none of the parents used the term ethics and only one parent used the term moral twice.
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Mereu M, Bonci A, Newman AH, Tanda G. The neurobiology of modafinil as an enhancer of cognitive performance and a potential treatment for substance use disorders. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 229:415-34. [PMID: 23934211 PMCID: PMC3800148 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3232-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Modafinil (MOD) and its R-enantiomer (R-MOD) are approved medications for narcolepsy and other sleep disorders. They have also been used, off-label, as cognitive enhancers in populations of patients with mental disorders, including substance abusers that demonstrate impaired cognitive function. A debated nonmedical use of MOD in healthy individuals to improve intellectual performance is raising questions about its potential abuse liability in this population. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS MOD has low micromolar affinity for the dopamine transporter (DAT). Inhibition of dopamine (DA) reuptake via the DAT explains the enhancement of DA levels in several brain areas, an effect shared with psychostimulants like cocaine, methylphenidate, and the amphetamines. However, its neurochemical effects and anatomical pattern of brain area activation differ from typical psychostimulants and are consistent with its beneficial effects on cognitive performance processes such as attention, learning, and memory. At variance with typical psychostimulants, MOD shows very low, if any, abuse liability, in spite of its use as a cognitive enhancer by otherwise healthy individuals. Finally, recent clinical studies have focused on the potential use of MOD as a medication for treatment of drug abuse, but have not shown consistent outcomes. However, positive trends in several result measures suggest that medications that improve cognitive function, like MOD or R-MOD, may be beneficial for the treatment of substance use disorders in certain patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddalena Mereu
- Molecular Targets & Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, DHHS; 251 Bayview Blvd., NIDA suite 200, Baltimore, MD, 21224
| | - Antonello Bonci
- Synaptic Plasticity Section, Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, DHHS; 251 Bayview Blvd., NIDA suite 200, Baltimore, MD, 21224
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- Molecular Targets & Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, DHHS; 251 Bayview Blvd., NIDA suite 200, Baltimore, MD, 21224
| | - Gianluigi Tanda
- Molecular Targets & Medication Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, DHHS; 251 Bayview Blvd., NIDA suite 200, Baltimore, MD, 21224
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Mazanov J, Dunn M, Connor J, Fielding ML. Substance use to enhance academic performance among Australian university students. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.peh.2013.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Makridis C. Converging technologies: a critical analysis of cognitive enhancement for public policy application. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2013; 19:1017-1038. [PMID: 23065536 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-012-9396-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigates cognitive enhancement, specifically biological cognitive enhancement (BCE), as a converging technology, and its implications for public policy. With an increasing rate of technological advancements, the legal, social, and economic frameworks lag behind the scientific advancements that they support. This lag poses significant challenges for policymakers if it is not dealt with sufficiently within the right analytical context. Therefore, the driving question behind this paper is, "What contingencies inform the advancement of biological cognitive enhancement, and what would society look like under this set of assumptions?" The paper is divided into five components: (1) defining the current policy context for BCEs, (2) analyzing the current social and economic outcomes to BCEs, (3) investigating the context of cost-benefit arguments in relation to BCEs, (4) proposing an analytical model for evaluating contingencies for BCE development, and (5) evaluating a simulated policy, social, technological, and economic context given the contingencies. In order to manage the risk and uncertainty inherent in technological change, BCEs' drivers must be scrutinized and evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Makridis
- Department of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-4121, USA.
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84
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Pustovrh T, Mali F. Exploring Some Challenges of the Pharmaceutical Cognitive Enhancement Discourse: Users and Policy Recommendations. NEUROETHICS-NETH 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s12152-013-9192-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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85
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Sattler S, Forlini C, Racine E, Sauer C. Impact of contextual factors and substance characteristics on perspectives toward cognitive enhancement. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71452. [PMID: 23940757 PMCID: PMC3733969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancing cognitive performance with substances–especially prescription drugs–is a fiercely debated topic among scholars and in the media. The empirical basis for these discussions is limited, given that the actual nature of factors that influence the acceptability of and willingness to use cognitive enhancement substances remains unclear. In an online factorial survey, contextual and substance-specific characteristics of substances that improve academic performance were varied experimentally and presented to respondents. Students in four German universities rated their willingness to use and moral acceptance of different substances for cognitive enhancement. We found that the overall willingness to use performance enhancing substances is low. Most respondents considered the use of these substances as morally unacceptable. Situational influences such as peer pressure, policies concerning substance use, relative performance level of peers, but also characteristics of the substance, such as perceptions of substance safety, shape the willingness and acceptability of using a substance to enhance academic performance. Among the findings is evidence of a contagion effect meaning that the willingness was higher when the respondents have more CE drug users in their social network. We also found deterrence effects from strong side effects of using the substance, as well as from policy regulations and sanctions. Regulations might activate social norms against usage and sanctions can be seen as costly to users. Moreover, enhancement substances seem to be most tempting to low performers to catch up with others compared to high performers. By identifying contextual factors and substance characteristics influencing the willingness and acceptability of cognitive enhancers, policy approaches could consider these insights to better manage the use of such substances.
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86
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Wolbring G, Diep L, Yumakulov S, Ball N, Leopatra V, Yergens D. Emerging Therapeutic Enhancement Enabling Health Technologies and Their Discourses: What Is Discussed within the Health Domain? Healthcare (Basel) 2013; 1:20-52. [PMID: 27429129 PMCID: PMC4934504 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare1010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
So far, the very meaning of health and therefore, treatment and rehabilitation is benchmarked to the normal or species-typical body. We expect certain abilities in members of a species; we expect humans to walk but not to fly, but a bird we expect to fly. However, increasingly therapeutic interventions have the potential to give recipients beyond species-typical body related abilities (therapeutic enhancements, TE). We believe that the perfect storm of TE, the shift in ability expectations toward beyond species-typical body abilities, and the increasing desire of health consumers to shape the health system will increasingly influence various aspects of health care practice, policy, and scholarship. We employed qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate among others how human enhancement, neuro/cognitive enhancement, brain machine interfaces, and social robot discourses cover (a) healthcare, healthcare policy, and healthcare ethics, (b) disability and (c) health consumers and how visible various assessment fields are within Neuro/Cogno/Human enhancement and within the BMI and social robotics discourse. We found that health care, as such, is little discussed, as are health care policy and ethics; that the term consumers (but not health consumers) is used; that technology, impact and needs assessment is absent; and that the imagery of disabled people is primarily a medical one. We submit that now, at this early stage, is the time to gain a good understanding of what drives the push for the enhancement agenda and enhancement-enabling devices, and the dynamics around acceptance and diffusion of therapeutic enhancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Wolbring
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Specialization in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.
| | - Lucy Diep
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Specialization in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.
| | - Sophya Yumakulov
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.
| | - Natalie Ball
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.
| | - Verlyn Leopatra
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.
| | - Dean Yergens
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada.
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87
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Spronk DB, van Wel JHP, Ramaekers JG, Verkes RJ. Characterizing the cognitive effects of cocaine: a comprehensive review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:1838-59. [PMID: 23876288 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the cognitive sequela of repeated cocaine use is a growing area of research and is crucial to the development of cognitive models of addiction. We systematically reviewed all available placebo-controlled and case-controlled studies on the acute and long-term effects of cocaine on cognitive functioning. In order to compare the magnitude of cognitive effects across cognitive domains we conducted several meta-analyses on a subset of data from long-term effect studies. Studies on acute cocaine administration suggest enhancement of response inhibition and psychomotor speed, while all other domains appear to be unaffected or not investigated adequately. Long-term effects of cocaine show a wide array of deteriorated cognitive functions, indicating that long term cocaine use is characterized by a general cognitive impairment across functions, rather than by specific cognitive deficits. Literature on long-term cocaine effects is more substantial than literature on acute effects. This comprehensive review outlines possible dissociations and similarities of acute vs. long-term cocaine effects in the human brain. Atherosclerosis after cocaine exposure may underlie cognitive dysfunction, suggesting involvement of multiple brain areas. Acute drug studies are important to the future development of addiction models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desirée B Spronk
- Department of Psychiatry (966), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Postbox 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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88
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Wolff W, Brand R. Subjective stressors in school and their relation to neuroenhancement: a behavioral perspective on students' everyday life "doping". Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2013; 8:23. [PMID: 23777577 PMCID: PMC3698138 DOI: 10.1186/1747-597x-8-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of psychoactive substances to neuroenhance cognitive performance is prevalent. Neuroenhancement (NE) in everyday life and doping in sport might rest on similar attitudinal representations, and both behaviors can be theoretically modeled by comparable means-to-end relations (substance-performance). A behavioral (not substance-based) definition of NE is proposed, with assumed functionality as its core component. It is empirically tested whether different NE variants (lifestyle drug, prescription drug, and illicit substance) can be regressed to school stressors. FINDINGS Participants were 519 students (25.8 ± 8.4 years old, 73.1% female). Logistic regressions indicate that a modified doping attitude scale can predict all three NE variants. Multiple NE substance abuse was frequent. Overwhelming demands in school were associated with lifestyle and prescription drug NE. CONCLUSIONS Researchers should be sensitive for probable structural similarities between enhancement in everyday life and sport and systematically explore where findings from one domain can be adapted for the other. Policy makers should be aware that students might misperceive NE as an acceptable means of coping with stress in school, and help to form societal sensitivity for the topic of NE among our younger ones in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanja Wolff
- Department of Sport and Exercise Psychology, University Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ralf Brand
- Department of Sport and Exercise Psychology, University Potsdam, Am Neuen Palais 10, 14469, Potsdam, Germany
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Social Robots, Brain Machine Interfaces and Neuro/Cognitive Enhancers: Three Emerging Science and Technology Products through the Lens of Technology Acceptance Theories, Models and Frameworks. TECHNOLOGIES 2013. [DOI: 10.3390/technologies1010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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90
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Franke AG, Bagusat C, Dietz P, Hoffmann I, Simon P, Ulrich R, Lieb K. Use of illicit and prescription drugs for cognitive or mood enhancement among surgeons. BMC Med 2013; 11:102. [PMID: 23570256 PMCID: PMC3635891 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-11-102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgeons are usually exposed to high workloads leading to fatigue and stress. This not only increases the likelihood of mistakes during surgery but also puts pressure on surgeons to use drugs to counteract fatigue, distress, concentration deficits, burnout or symptoms of depression. The prevalence of surgeons taking pharmacological cognitive enhancement (CE) or mood enhancement (ME) drugs has not been systematically assessed so far. METHODS Surgeons who attended five international conferences in 2011 were surveyed with an anonymous self-report questionnaire (AQ) regarding the use of prescription or illicit drugs for CE and ME and factors associated with their use. The Randomized Response Technique (RRT) was used in addition. The RRT guarantees a high degree of anonymity and confidentiality when a person is asked about stigmatizing issues, such as drug abuse. RESULTS A total of 3,306 questionnaires were distributed and 1,145 entered statistical analysis (response rate: 36.4%). According to the AQ, 8.9% of all surveyed surgeons confessed to having used a prescription or illicit drug exclusively for CE at least once during lifetime. As one would expect, the prevalence rate assessed by RRT was approximately 2.5-fold higher than that of the AQ (19.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 15.9% to 23.9%, N = 1,105). An even larger discrepancy between the RRT and AQ was observed for the use of antidepressants with a 6-fold higher prevalence (15.1%; 95% CI, 11.3% to 19.0%, N = 1,099) as compared to 2.4% with the AQ. Finally, logistic regression analysis revealed that pressure to perform at work (odds ratio (OR): 1.290; 95% CI, 1.000 to 1.666; P = 0.05) or in private life (OR: 1.266; 95% CI, 1.038 to 1.543; P = 0.02), and gross income (OR: 1.337; 95% CI, 1.091 to 1.640; P = 0.005), were positively associated with the use of drugs for CE or ME. CONCLUSIONS The use of illicit and prescription drugs for CE or ME is an underestimated phenomenon among surgeons which is generally attributable to high workload, perceived workload, and private stress. Such intake of drugs is associated with attempts to counteract fatigue and loss of concentration. However, drug use for CE may lead to addiction and to overestimation of one's own capabilities, which can put patients at risk. Coping strategies should be taught during medical education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas G Franke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, Mainz 55131, Germany.
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91
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O’Connor C, Joffe H. How has neuroscience affected lay understandings of personhood? A review of the evidence. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2013; 22:254-68. [PMID: 23833053 PMCID: PMC4107825 DOI: 10.1177/0963662513476812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The prominence of neuroscience in the public sphere has escalated in recent years, provoking questions about how the public engages with neuroscientific ideas. Commentaries on neuroscience's role in society often present it as having revolutionary implications, fundamentally overturning established beliefs about personhood. The purpose of this article is to collate and review the extant empirical evidence on the influence of neuroscience on commonsense understandings of personhood. The article evaluates the scope of neuroscience's presence in public consciousness and examines the empirical evidence for three frequently encountered claims about neuroscience's societal influence: that neuroscience fosters a conception of the self that is based in biology, that neuroscience promotes conceptions of individual fate as predetermined, and that neuroscience attenuates the stigma attached to particular social categories. It concludes that many neuroscientific ideas have assimilated in ways that perpetuate rather than challenge existing modes of understanding self, others and society.
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92
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Navigating the enhancement landscape. Ethical issues in research on cognitive enhancers for healthy individuals. EMBO Rep 2013; 14:123-8. [PMID: 23318628 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2012.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Partridge B, Bell S, Lucke J, Hall W. Australian university students' attitudes towards the use of prescription stimulants as cognitive enhancers: perceived patterns of use, efficacy and safety. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012; 32:295-302. [PMID: 23121045 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Recent, high profile articles in leading science journals have claimed that the enhancement use of prescription stimulants is a common practice among students worldwide. This study provides empirical data on Australian university students' perceptions of: (i) the prevalence of prescription stimulant use by their peers for cognitive enhancement; (ii) motivations for such use; (iii) efficacy; and (iv) its safety. DESIGN AND METHODS Participants were 19 Australian university students with an average age of 24 who were recruited through emails lists, notice board posters and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted during 2010 and 2011, recordings transcribed and responses coded using thematic analysis. RESULTS Participants typically did not believe the use of stimulants for cognitive enhancement was common in Australia. Perceived motivations for use included: (i) 'getting ahead' to perform at high levels; (ii) 'keeping up' as a method of coping; and (iii) 'going out' so that an active social life could be maintained in the face of study demands. Australian students were generally sceptical about the potential benefits of stimulants for cognitive enhancement and they identified psychological dependence as a potential negative consequence. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This study is an important first step in understanding the use of stimulants for cognitive enhancement in Australia, amid calls for more widespread use of cognitive enhancing drugs. It is important to conduct further studies of the extent of cognitive enhancement in Australia if we are to develop appropriate policy responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Partridge
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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Partridge B, Lucke J, Hall W. A Comparison of Attitudes Toward Cognitive Enhancement and Legalized Doping in Sport in a Community Sample of Australian Adults. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/21507716.2012.720639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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95
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Lucke J, Partridge B. Towards a Smart Population: A Public Health Framework for Cognitive Enhancement. NEUROETHICS-NETH 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s12152-012-9167-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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96
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Lakhan SE, Kirchgessner A. Prescription stimulants in individuals with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: misuse, cognitive impact, and adverse effects. Brain Behav 2012; 2:661-77. [PMID: 23139911 PMCID: PMC3489818 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Prescription stimulants are often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), and dextroamphetamine-amphetamine (Adderall) help people with ADHD feel more focused. However, misuse of stimulants by ADHD and nonaffected individuals has dramatically increased over recent years based on students' misconceptions or simple lack of knowledge of associated risks. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the use and increasing misuse of prescription stimulants among high school and college students and athletes. Given the widespread belief that stimulants enhance performance, there are in fact only a few studies reporting the cognitive enhancing effects of stimulants in ADHD and nonaffected individuals. Student athletes should be apprised of the very serious consequences that can emerge when stimulants are used to improve sports performance. Moreover, misuse of stimulants is associated with dangers including psychosis, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and even sudden death. As ADHD medications are prescribed for long-term treatment, there is a need for long-term safety studies and education on the health risks associated with misuse is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaheen E Lakhan
- Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation Los Angeles, California
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