RESULTS Modafinil appears to improve reaction time ( P ≤ 0.04 ) , logical reasoning ( P ≤ 0.05 ) and problem-solving .
Across all three types of prescription stimulants , research shows improved attention with lack of consensus on whether these improvements are limited to simple versus complex tasks in varying youth population s. CONCLUSIONS The heterogeneity of the non-attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth population , the variation in cognitive task characteristics and lack of replication of studies makes assessing the potential global neurocognitive benefits of stimulants among non-attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth difficult ; however , some youth may derive benefit in specific cognitive domains
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Increasing prescription stimulant abuse among youth without diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) is of concern .
The most frequently cited motive for abuse is improved academic achievement via neurocognitive enhancement .
Our aim in review ing the literature was to identify neurocognitive effects of prescription stimulants in non-ADHD youth .
A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the efficacy of modafinil for sustaining the alertness and performance of aviators: a helicopter simulator study
Abstract . Rationale : In 1998 , the FDA approved modafinil for treating  excessive daytime sleepiness in narcoleptics , and this has raised questions about the appropriateness of this compound for enhancing alertness in sleep-deprived controls . This study explored the efficacy of modafinil for maintaining the performance of volunteers required to accomplish highly dem and ing tasks despite sleep loss . Objective : The principal objective was to determine whether prophylactic doses of modafinil would attenuate decrements in aviator performance and arousal throughout 2 days and 1 night without sleep . Methods : Six pilots were exposed to two 40-h periods of continuous wakefulness . In one , three 200-mg doses of modafinil were given and in the other , matching placebos were administered . Helicopter simulator flights , resting EEGs , and Profile of Mood States ( POMS ) question naires were evaluated . Results : Modafinil attenuated sleep deprivation effects on four of six flight maneuvers , reduced slow-wave EEG activity , and lessened self-reported problems with mood and alertness in comparison to placebo . The most noticeable benefits occurred between 0330 and 1130 hours , when the combined impact of sleep loss and the circadian trough was most severe . The most frequently observed drug side effects were vertigo , nausea , and dizziness . These could have been related to : 1 ) the motion-based testing , 2 ) the use of a simulator rather than an actual aircraft ( i.e. , " simulator sickness " ) , and /or 3 ) the administration of more than 400 mg modafinil . Conclusions : Modafinil is a promising countermeasure for  sleep loss in normals ; however , additional studies aim ed at reducing side effects are needed before it should be used in aviators
RESULTS Modafinil appears to improve reaction time ( P ≤ 0.04 ) , logical reasoning ( P ≤ 0.05 ) and problem-solving .
Across all three types of prescription stimulants , research shows improved attention with lack of consensus on whether these improvements are limited to simple versus complex tasks in varying youth population s. CONCLUSIONS The heterogeneity of the non-attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth population , the variation in cognitive task characteristics and lack of replication of studies makes assessing the potential global neurocognitive benefits of stimulants among non-attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth difficult ; however , some youth may derive benefit in specific cognitive domains
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Increasing prescription stimulant abuse among youth without diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) is of concern .
The most frequently cited motive for abuse is improved academic achievement via neurocognitive enhancement .
Our aim in review ing the literature was to identify neurocognitive effects of prescription stimulants in non-ADHD youth .