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 .
Methylphenidate improves response inhibition in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
BACKGROUND Response inhibition is an executive function that requires voluntary control over responses when there is a change of context . The right inferior frontal cortex is necessary for response inhibition , and a deficit in right frontostriatal circuitry might underlie attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) . Many studies of childhood ADHD have demonstrated impaired response inhibition and its amelioration by methylpheni date ( MPH ) . The current study tested response inhibition and the effect of MPH in adult ADHD . METHODS Response inhibition was assessed with the " tracking " stop-signal test in 13 adults with a diagnosis of ADHD , both while taking and while not taking medication , and 13 healthy , unmedicated , age- and intelligence quotient-matched control subjects . RESULTS Stop-signal reaction time was significantly slower in unmedicated adults with ADHD relative to healthy control subjects , and this deficit was significantly ameliorated by medication . CONCLUSIONS Adult ADHD patients had a response inhibition profile similar to that produced by lesions to the right inferior frontal cortex , which was remedied by stimulant medication
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 .