Use of Drugs for Cognitive Enhancement

Nature has recently performed a poll about the use of drugs for cognitive enhancement among scientists. They found that one in five respondents admitted to using drugs for non-medical reasons such as increasing attention and memory. The most popular drug used was methylphendiate (i.e. ritalin) with 62% of drug users taking it. Ritalin is commonly used for attention deficit disorder, but it can basically increase focus in any person regardless of their diagnosis. 44% of users reported take the drug modafinil. Modafinil is approved for narcolepsy and works to increase attention and wakefullness. It can serve as a stronger substitute for coffee, but it is not considered abusable. 15% of users admitted to taking beta blockers like propanolol. Beta blockers can decrease the stress response and are often taken by performers who want to reduce the jitters associated with public speaking. Other substances people used include adderall, centrophenoxine, piractem, dexedrine, ginkgo and omega-3 fatty acids.

Its very interesting to see how many scientists are taking drugs for their cognitive effects. It seems like using drugs to get an edge is less of a concern nowadays. This poll doesn't surprise me too much when you consider forums like this and this are on the internet. Taking drugs can give people a much needed boost in getting their work done. So while it may not be the most healthy habit, it's probably not going to stop any time soon.
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