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Tomažič T, Čelofiga AK. The Role of Different Behavioral and Psychosocial Factors in the Context of Pharmaceutical Cognitive Enhancers' Misuse. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:972. [PMID: 35742024 PMCID: PMC9222761 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10060972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In an effort for better memory, greater motivation, and concentration, otherwise healthy individuals use pharmaceutical cognitive enhancers (PCEs), medicines for the treatment of cognitive deficits of patients with various disorders and health problems, to achieve greater productivity, efficiency, and performance. We examined the use of PCEs among 289 students at the Slovenian Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the behavioral and psychosocial context (students' attitudes towards study, parents, health, leisure time, and work). Furthermore, we also addressed the immediate reasons, or the hypothesized connections of behavioral and psychosocial aspects, related to PCE misuse. The study consisted of a structured questionnaire, and chi-squared tests were used. An analysis of student statements revealed differences in students' and parents' attitudes toward good academic grades. In addition, students chose among 17 values related to relationships with parents, friends, partners, careers, study obligations, leisure, hobbies, material goods, appearance, and the future, and assessed their importance. Regardless of the group they belonged to, young people cited the same values among the most important. Good grades and parental opinions have proven to be key factors in the context of PCE abuse. This research was the first study to examine the relation between PCE misuse and the role of different behavioral and psychosocial factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Tomažič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Institute for Media Communications, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
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2
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Rodrigo-Yanguas M, González-Tardón C, Bella-Fernández M, Blasco-Fontecilla H. Serious Video Games: Angels or Demons in Patients With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? A Quasi-Systematic Review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:798480. [PMID: 35573357 PMCID: PMC9091561 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.798480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To carry out a quasi-systematic review of the use of serious video games for health as a cognitive rehabilitative tool in patients diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. METHOD A quasi-systematic review of serious video games used as an evaluative and rehabilitative tool in patients with ADHD was conducted. It included behavioral patterns in the use of video games and addiction problems in this population. For its elaboration the PRISMA GUIDES were followed. The search was carried out in three PubMed databases, MEDLINE, and PsycInfo using the keywords: [game OR serious game OR computer game) AND (psychotherapy OR rehabilitation OR intervention OR mental disorders) AND (adhd)], [(adhd) AND (Video game addiction)]. All articles written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese from January 1970 to June 2021 were included: those in which reference was made to the use of video games and/or new technologies as a therapeutic and evaluative tool in children and adults diagnosed with ADHD, as well as those that referred to behavioral and clinical patterns in the use of video games. RESULTS We found 605 articles of which 128 were reviewed (44 observational studies, 26 quasi-experimental studies, 26 experimental studies, 8 systematic reviews, 9 narrative texts, 6 case reports, 7 pilot studies, 8 systematic reviews, and 2 meta-analyses). Serious video games can be used to ameliorate ADHD symptoms while improving adherence to treatment. Some serious video games show high accuracy properties assessing ADHD features. CONCLUSION Serious video games for health are increasingly being used as a cognitive rehabilitation tool in patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION [www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero], identifier [CRD42021247784].
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Affiliation(s)
- María Rodrigo-Yanguas
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Puerta de Hierro Health Research Institute-Segovia de Arana (IDIPHISA)-Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marcos Bella-Fernández
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Puerta de Hierro Health Research Institute-Segovia de Arana (IDIPHISA)-Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Psychology, Universidad Pontificia de Comillas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hilario Blasco-Fontecilla
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Puerta de Hierro Health Research Institute-Segovia de Arana (IDIPHISA)-Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Consulting Asistencial Sociosanitario SL, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Savulich G, Bowden-Jones O, Stephenson R, Brühl AB, Ersche KD, Robbins TW, Sahakian BJ. "Hot" and "Cold" Cognition in Users of Club Drugs/Novel Psychoactive Substances. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:660575. [PMID: 33841219 PMCID: PMC8024487 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.660575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are popular "club/party" drugs that first attracted attention in the UK in 2009 and remained legal until the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act criminalized their distribution. Unlike "traditional" illicit drugs, very little is known about the influence of their analogs on neuropsychological functioning. We characterized the cognitive and emotional profile of NPS/polydrug users using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and EMOTICOM test battery in adult male (aged 20-49 years) recreational users without psychiatric comorbidities (n = 27; "psychonauts"), service users attending a UK specialist "Club Drug" Clinic for problematic use (n = 20) and healthy control volunteers without significant drug-taking histories (n = 35). Tasks were selected to distinguish "hot" cognitive processes that are highly influenced by emotion from "cold" cognitive processes that are largely independent of emotional influence. Both user groups reported significantly higher sensation-seeking traits compared with non-users. Recreational NPS users demonstrated more risk-taking behavior compared with controls and treatment-seeking NPS users showed poorer learning, episodic memory and response inhibition compared with the other two groups. These effects persisted, when controlling for age, intelligence, alcohol and cannabis use severity, nicotine dependence, trait anxiety, depression, childhood adversity, impulsivity, and sensation seeking. Overall, recreational NPS users showed elevated "hot" (emotion-laden) cognition in the absence of "cold" (non-emotional) cognitive deficits, whereas "cold" cognitive dysfunction was pronounced in individuals seeking treatment for problematic NPS use. High trait impulsivity and poor self-control may confer additional risk to NPS/polydrug use severity and separate those seeking treatment from those using NPS recreationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Savulich
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Owen Bowden-Jones
- Club Drug Clinic, Central and North West London National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Annette B Brühl
- University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karen D Ersche
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor W Robbins
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara J Sahakian
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Hutten NRPW, Mason NL, Dolder PC, Kuypers KPC. Motives and Side-Effects of Microdosing With Psychedelics Among Users. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 22:426-434. [PMID: 31152167 PMCID: PMC6600464 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyz029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microdosing with psychedelics has gained considerable media attention where it is portrayed as a performance enhancer, especially popular on the work floor. While reports are in general positive, scientific evidence about potential negative effects is lacking aside from the prevalence and motives for use. The present study addressed this gap by surveying psychedelic users about their experience with microdosing including their dosing schedule, motivation, and potential experienced negative effects. METHODS An online questionnaire was launched on several websites and fora between March and July 2018. Respondents who had consented, were 18 years of age or older, and had experience with microdosing were included in the analyses. RESULTS In total, 1116 of the respondents were either currently microdosing (79.5%) or microdosed in the past (20.5%). Lysergic acid diethylamide (10 mcg) and psilocybin (0.5 g) were the most commonly used psychedelics with a microdosing frequency between 2 and 4 times per week. The majority of users, however, were oblivious about the consumed dose. Performance enhancement was the main motive to microdose (37%). The most reported negative effects were of psychological nature and occurred acutely while under the influence. CONCLUSION In line with media reports and anecdotes, the majority of our respondents microdosed to enhance performance. Negative effects occurred mostly acutely after substance consumption. However, the main reason to have stopped microdosing was that it was not effective. Future experimental placebo-controlled studies are needed to test whether performance enhancement can be quantified and to assess potential negative effects after longer term microdosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia R P W Hutten
- Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Natasha L Mason
- Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick C Dolder
- Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Kim P C Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
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Tomažič T, Čelofiga AK. Ethical aspects of the abuse of pharmaceutical enhancements by healthy people in the context of improving cognitive functions. Philos Ethics Humanit Med 2019; 14:7. [PMID: 31023334 PMCID: PMC6482530 DOI: 10.1186/s13010-019-0076-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Better memory, greater motivation and concentration lead to greater productivity, efficiency and performance, all of which are features that are highly valued in a modern society focused on productivity. In the effort for better cognitive abilities, otherwise healthy individuals use cognitive enhancers (also known as nootropics), medicines for the treatment of cognitive deficits of patients with various disorders and health problems, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, stroke, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ageing. The use of these is more common in professions with emphasised cognitive abilities, or in occupations that require more attention, focus and alertness. Their use is also associated with the general working population, in that they are supposed to use them to alleviate the effects of sleep deprivation and to cope with increasing workloads.In the paper, we are addressing the ethical issue and the dilemmas of the use of pharmaceutical enhancements by healthy people who have no medical reason for taking such substances, in the context of improving their cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Tomažič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Institute for Media Communications, Koroška cesta 46, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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Savulich G, Thorp E, Piercy T, Peterson KA, Pickard JD, Sahakian BJ. Improvements in Attention Following Cognitive Training With the Novel "Decoder" Game on an iPad. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:2. [PMID: 30719000 PMCID: PMC6348266 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Work and study increasingly rely on the use of technologies requiring individuals to switch attention rapidly between emails, texts and tasks. This has led to healthy people having problems of attention and concentration and difficulties getting into the “flow,” which impedes goal attainment and task completion. Possibly related to this, there is an increasing diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and prescriptions of drugs such as methylphenidate. In addition to ADHD, attention is impaired in other neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Based on neuropsychological and neuroimaging evidence, we developed “Decoder,” a novel game for targeted cognitive training of visual sustained attention on an iPad. We aimed to investigate the effects of cognitive training in 75 healthy young adults randomly assigned to a Cognitive Training (8 h of playing Decoder over 4 weeks; n = 25), Active Control (8 h of playing Bingo over 4 weeks; n = 25) or Passive Control (continuation of activities of daily living; n = 25) group. Results indicated that cognitive training with Decoder was superior to both control groups in terms of increased target sensitivity (A’) on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery Rapid Visual Information processing (CANTAB RVP) test, indicating significantly improved sustained visual attention. Individuals playing Decoder also showed significantly better performance on the Trail Making Test (TMT) compared with those playing Bingo. Significant differences in visual analogue scales were also found between the two gaming groups, such that Decoder received higher ratings of enjoyment, task-related motivation and alertness across all hours of game play. These data suggest that cognitive training with Decoder is an effective non-pharmacological method for enhancing attention in healthy young adults, which could be extended to clinical populations in which attentional problems persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Savulich
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Thorp
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Piercy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Katie A Peterson
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John D Pickard
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara J Sahakian
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Zaami S, Tagliabracci A, Berretta P, Busardò FP, Marinelli E. Use of Methylphenidate Analogues as Cognitive Enhancers: The Prelude to Cosmetic Neurology and an Ethical Issue. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:1006. [PMID: 32038333 PMCID: PMC6989549 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.01006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Zaami
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Tagliabracci
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Excellence-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Ancona, Italy
| | - Paolo Berretta
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Excellence-Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Ancona, Italy
| | - Enrico Marinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Weinberger AB, Cortes RA, Green AE, Giordano J. Neuroethical and Social Implications of Using Transcranial Electrical Stimulation to Augment Creative Cognition. CREATIVITY RESEARCH JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/10400419.2018.1488199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Johnstad PG. Powerful substances in tiny amounts: An interview study of psychedelic microdosing. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2018; 35:39-51. [PMID: 32934512 PMCID: PMC7434115 DOI: 10.1177/1455072517753339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: This article presents a qualitative interview study of people who microdose with psychedelic drugs, which means that the user takes about one tenth of an ordinary recreational dose. Design: Respondents (n = 21) were recruited at several Internet fora for individual interviews via private messaging. Every participant was male, and the median respondent was in his 30s with a stable job and relationship and extensive entheogen experience. Results: Respondents tended to experiment with microdosing in phases, reporting mostly positive consequences from this form of drug use. Reported effects included improved mood, cognition, and creativity, which often served to counteract symptoms especially from conditions of anxiety and depression. There were also reports of various challenges with psychedelic microdosing, and some did not find the practice worth continuing. Conclusion: The study obtained evidence of a group of users taking small doses of psychedelics not for the purpose of intoxication but to enhance everyday functioning. While the study’s findings are not generalisable, they may inform subsequent investigations with research questions and hypotheses.
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Savulich G, Piercy T, Fox C, Suckling J, Rowe JB, O'Brien JT, Sahakian BJ. Cognitive Training Using a Novel Memory Game on an iPad in Patients with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI). Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 20:624-633. [PMID: 28898959 PMCID: PMC5569993 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cognitive training is effective in patients with mild cognitive impairment but does not typically address the motivational deficits associated with older populations with memory difficulties. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial of cognitive training using a novel memory game on an iPad in 42 patients with a diagnosis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment assigned to either the cognitive training (n=21; 8 hours of gameplay over 4 weeks) or control (n=21; clinic visits as usual) groups. Results Significant time-by-pattern-by-group interactions were found for cognitive performance in terms of the number of errors made and trials needed on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery Paired Associates Learning task (P=.044; P=.027). Significant time-by-group interactions were also found for the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery Paired Associates Learning first trial memory score (P=.002), Mini-Mental State Examination (P=.036), the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (P=.032), and the Apathy Evaluation Scale (P=.026). Within-group comparisons revealed highly specific effects of cognitive training on episodic memory. The cognitive training group maintained high levels of enjoyment and motivation to continue after each hour of gameplay, with self-confidence and self-rated memory ability improving over time. Conclusions Episodic memory robustly improved in the cognitive training group. "Gamified" cognitive training may also enhance visuospatial abilities in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment. Gamification maximizes engagement with cognitive training by increasing motivation and could complement pharmacological treatments for amnestic mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease. Larger, more controlled trials are needed to replicate and extend these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Savulich
- Department of Psychiatry (Dr Savulich, Mr Piercy, and Profs Suckling, O'Brien, and Sahakian), and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute (Dr Savulich, Mr Piercy, and Profs Suckling, Rowe, and Sahakian) University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Psychological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom (Prof Fox); Department of Clinical Neurosciences and MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (Prof Rowe)
| | - Thomas Piercy
- Department of Psychiatry (Dr Savulich, Mr Piercy, and Profs Suckling, O'Brien, and Sahakian), and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute (Dr Savulich, Mr Piercy, and Profs Suckling, Rowe, and Sahakian) University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Psychological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom (Prof Fox); Department of Clinical Neurosciences and MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (Prof Rowe)
| | - Chris Fox
- Department of Psychiatry (Dr Savulich, Mr Piercy, and Profs Suckling, O'Brien, and Sahakian), and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute (Dr Savulich, Mr Piercy, and Profs Suckling, Rowe, and Sahakian) University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Psychological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom (Prof Fox); Department of Clinical Neurosciences and MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (Prof Rowe)
| | - John Suckling
- Department of Psychiatry (Dr Savulich, Mr Piercy, and Profs Suckling, O'Brien, and Sahakian), and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute (Dr Savulich, Mr Piercy, and Profs Suckling, Rowe, and Sahakian) University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Psychological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom (Prof Fox); Department of Clinical Neurosciences and MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (Prof Rowe)
| | - James B Rowe
- Department of Psychiatry (Dr Savulich, Mr Piercy, and Profs Suckling, O'Brien, and Sahakian), and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute (Dr Savulich, Mr Piercy, and Profs Suckling, Rowe, and Sahakian) University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Psychological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom (Prof Fox); Department of Clinical Neurosciences and MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (Prof Rowe)
| | - John T O'Brien
- Department of Psychiatry (Dr Savulich, Mr Piercy, and Profs Suckling, O'Brien, and Sahakian), and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute (Dr Savulich, Mr Piercy, and Profs Suckling, Rowe, and Sahakian) University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Psychological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom (Prof Fox); Department of Clinical Neurosciences and MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (Prof Rowe)
| | - Barbara J Sahakian
- Department of Psychiatry (Dr Savulich, Mr Piercy, and Profs Suckling, O'Brien, and Sahakian), and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute (Dr Savulich, Mr Piercy, and Profs Suckling, Rowe, and Sahakian) University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of Psychological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom (Prof Fox); Department of Clinical Neurosciences and MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (Prof Rowe)
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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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