![]() Regarding this comparison, methylxanthines are frequently preferred by several students based on ethical, legal and medical reasons ( 17). Methylxanthines are legal alternative PN substances compared to prescription and illicit substances (e.g., amphetamines, modafinil, etc.). Although, caffeine-standing for the best well-known representative of the chemical group of methylxanthines (such as caffeine, theobromine, theophylline) ( 11)-has proved pro-cognitive effects. However, until today there is a paucity of studies regarding legal over the counter (OTC-) substances such as caffeine for PN and their contextual factors. ![]() They show lifetime prevalence rates of 1 up to 20% depending on the substances assessed, the survey methods used and other factors ( 5– 10). Meanwhile there are several national and international publications about the use of prescription as well as illicit substances for PN. The authors demonstrate that 20% of the 1,400 participants had used at least one of the aforementioned substances to improve their focus, concentration or memory without medical need ( 1). The above mentioned poll assessed the use of methylphenidate, modafinil and beta blockers for cognitive enhancement. PN is mostly defined as the non-medical use of divergent psychoactive substances to increase vigilance, attention, concentration or memory by healthy subjects ( 2– 4). The term “smart drugs” is used for this group of drugs, as well as other synonyms e.g., brain doping, academic performance enhancement, cognitive enhancement or pharmacological neuroenhancement (PN). Until today, this article can be considered as “conversation starter.” However, meanwhile there are much more studies examining the phenomenon of using substances to increase cognition deeper and much more systematic. In 2008, Nature ran this online poll among their readers to study the frequency and reasons regarding the use of psychoactive substances to enhance cognitive performance. ![]() The article “Poll results: Look who is doping” is one of the most cited articles in the field of pharmacological neuroenhancement (PN) ( 1). Further studies should investigate the awareness of methylxanthine containing drinks as well as its character to be a flavoring drink or a neuroenhancer. 1.8% admitted using illegal substances or prescription drugs, too.ĭiscussion: Using legal methylxanthine containing drinks for PN seems to be extremely common with coffee and energy drinks being the preferred substances, while illegal and prescription drugs are only minimally used. Methylxanthine containing tea was used for PN purposes, too (black tea 52.3%, green tea 51.7%). For PN purposes, coffee was used by 72.9% followed by energy drinks (68.2%) and cola drinks (62.4%). 88.1% admitted using some over-the-counter substances. ![]() Nearly all participants knew about PN (97.7%). Results: Six hundred and eighty-three participants completed the survey. Materials and Methods: A web-survey was developed for German students and alumni about the non-medical use of caffeine for PN contained questions about coffee, caffeinated drinks and energy drinks, caffeine pills and methylxanthine tea regarding frequency and further contextual factors. In particular, there is a lack of data about PN by caffeinated drinks, even if coffee is a common and broadly used Neuroenhancer because of its cognitively enhancing effects regarding wakefulness, alertness and concentration. However, there is a lack of differentiating PN substances, according to their psychoactive effects. Introduction: Pharmacological neuroenhancement (PN) is a topic of increasing importance and prevalence among students. 3Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.2Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hospital of the Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.1Hochschule der Bundesagentur für Arbeit/University of Applied Labour Studies, Mannheim, Germany.Franke 1 * Gabriele Koller 2 Daniela Krause 2 Lisa Proebstl 2 Felicia Kamp 2 Oliver Pogarell 2 Tarek Jebrini 2 Kirsi Manz 3 Agnieszka I. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |