Based on a systematic review and meta- analysis we show that expectations regarding the effectiveness of these drugs exceed their actual effects , as has been demonstrated in single- or double-blind r and omised controlled trials .
For methylpheni date an improvement of memory was found , but no consistent evidence for other enhancing effects was uncovered .
Modafinil on the other h and , was found to improve attention for well-rested individuals , while maintaining wakefulness , memory and executive functions to a significantly higher degree in sleep deprived individuals than did a placebo .
However , repeated doses of modafinil were unable to prevent deterioration of cognitive performance over a longer period of sleep deprivation though maintaining wakefulness and possibly even inducing overconfidence in a person 's own cognitive performance
The term neuroenhancement refers to improvement in the cognitive , emotional and motivational functions of healthy individuals through , inter alia , the use of drugs .
Of known interventions , psychopharmacology provides readily available options , such as methylpheni date and modafinil .
Both drugs are presumed to be in widespread use as cognitive enhancers for non-medical reasons .
Methylphenidate Does Not Improve Cognitive Function in Healthy Sleep-Deprived Young Adults
Background Abuse of methylpheni date , a treatment of attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder , is reported to be increasing among students for the purpose of improving cognition . Methods A single capsule , containing methylpheni date ( 20 mg ) or placebo , was administered to healthy young adults orally following 24 hours of sleep deprivation . Measurements included percent change in score from sleep-deprived baseline on four st and ardized tests of cognitive function : Hopkins Verbal Learning , Digit Span , Modified Stroop , and Trail Making tests . Measurements also included percent changes in blood pressure and heart rate from sleepdeprived baseline and plasma methylpheni date concentration . Results Differences in cognitive test performance were not observed between intervention groups . In subjects receiving methylpheni date , mean percent changes from baseline for systolic blood pressure and heart rate were increased relative to placebo between 90 and 210 minutes following capsule administration ( maximum increases of 9.45 % and 11.03 % , respectively ) . The timing of peak differences in physiologic measures did not correlate with peak serum methylpheni date concentrations . Exit question naire ratings of “ capsule effect ” and perceived performance on the postcapsule administration of the most challenging cognitive test were both higher ( p = .044 and p = .009 , respectively ) for the methylpheni date group than for the placebo group . Conclusions Cognitive improvement among sleep-deprived young adults was not observed following methylpheni date administration . Benefits perceived by abusers may relate to increased confidence and sense of well-being , as well as to sympathetic nervous system stimulation . Moreover , methylpheni date administration results in physiologic effects that could be harmful to certain individuals
Based on a systematic review and meta- analysis we show that expectations regarding the effectiveness of these drugs exceed their actual effects , as has been demonstrated in single- or double-blind r and omised controlled trials .
For methylpheni date an improvement of memory was found , but no consistent evidence for other enhancing effects was uncovered .
Modafinil on the other h and , was found to improve attention for well-rested individuals , while maintaining wakefulness , memory and executive functions to a significantly higher degree in sleep deprived individuals than did a placebo .
However , repeated doses of modafinil were unable to prevent deterioration of cognitive performance over a longer period of sleep deprivation though maintaining wakefulness and possibly even inducing overconfidence in a person 's own cognitive performance
The term neuroenhancement refers to improvement in the cognitive , emotional and motivational functions of healthy individuals through , inter alia , the use of drugs .
Of known interventions , psychopharmacology provides readily available options , such as methylpheni date and modafinil .
Both drugs are presumed to be in widespread use as cognitive enhancers for non-medical reasons .