6533b872fe1ef96bd12d2d4f

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Pharmacological Neuroenhancement: Substances and Epidemiology

Andreas G. FrankeKlaus Lieb

subject

Methylphenidatebusiness.industryEcstasyModafinilMemantineNeuroenhancementPharmacologychemistry.chemical_compoundMoodchemistrymental disordersmedicineMedical prescriptionCaffeinebusinessmedicine.drug

description

Pharmacological neuroenhancement (PN) refers to the general use of psychoactive substances with the purpose of cognitive enhancement (e.g. enhancement of vigilance, concentration, memory or mood) by healthy subjects. Substances for PN include Over-the-Counter- (OTC-) substances such as coffee, caffeinated drinks/energy drinks, caffeine tablets and Ginkgo biloba as well as prescription drugs and illicit drugs (e.g. (psycho-) stimulants). “Brain doping” refers to the illicit use of a subcategory of these substances. On the one hand, this subcategory includes prescription drugs for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and depression. This group consists of (psycho-) stimulants (e.g. amphetamines, methylphenidate), modafinil, antidementives (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, memantine) and antidepressants (e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). On the other hand, this subcategory includes stimulating illicit drugs (e.g. illicit amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy).

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2013-01-01
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6253-4_2