In conclusion , a number of new active drugs were found to improve some cognitive functions , in particular verbal episodic memory .
Pharmacological cognitive enhancement refers to improvement in cognitive functions after drug use in healthy individuals .
This popular topic attracts attention both from the general public and the scientific community .
The objective was to explore innovative mechanisms of psychostimulant 's action , whose potential effectiveness was assessed in r and omized placebo-controlled trials ( RCTs ) .
Use of illicit and prescription drugs for cognitive or mood enhancement among surgeons
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 systematic ally assessed so far . Methods Surgeons who attended five international conferences in 2011 were surveyed with an anonymous self-report question naire ( AQ ) regarding the use of prescription or illicit drugs for CE and ME and factors associated with their use . The R and omized 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 question naires 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
In conclusion , a number of new active drugs were found to improve some cognitive functions , in particular verbal episodic memory .
Pharmacological cognitive enhancement refers to improvement in cognitive functions after drug use in healthy individuals .
This popular topic attracts attention both from the general public and the scientific community .
The objective was to explore innovative mechanisms of psychostimulant 's action , whose potential effectiveness was assessed in r and omized placebo-controlled trials ( RCTs ) .