Top

Published in:

01-05-2014 | Short Communication

Cosmetic neurology: the role of healthcare professionals

Author: Kinan Muhammed

Published in: Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy | Issue 2/2014

Abstract

In an age of modern technology and an increasing movement towards a 24-h working culture, life for many is becoming more stressful and demanding. To help juggle these work commitments and an active social life, nootropic medication, (the so-called ‘smart pills’) have become a growing part of some people’s lives. Users claim that these drugs allow them to reach their maximal potential by becoming more efficient, smarter and requiring less sleep. The use of these medications and the role of health professionals in their distribution raises many ethical questions.

British Medical Association, BMA. (2007). Boosting your brainpower: Ethical aspects of cognitive enhancements. London, UK: British Medical Association.

Caldwell, J.A., J.L. Caldwell, N.K. Smythe, and K.K. Hall. 2000. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the efficacy of modafinil for sustaining the alertness and performance of aviators: A helicopter simulator study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 150: 272–282.CrossRef

Chatterjee, A. 2004. Cosmetic neurology: The controversy over enhancing movement, mentation, and mood. Neurology 63: 968–974.PubMedCrossRef

CMA. 1995. The role of physicians in prevention and health promotion. Canadian Medical Association. Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) 153: 208A–208D.

Larriviere, D., M. Williams, M. Rizzo, and R.J. Bonnie. 2009. Responding to requests from adult patients for neuroenhancements: Guidance of the Ethics, Law and Humanities Committee. Neurology 73: 1406–1412. doi:10.1212/WNL.0b013e3181beecfe.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef

Repantis, D., O. Laisney, and I. Heuser. 2010a. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine for neuroenhancement in healthy individuals: A systematic review. Pharmacological Research the Official Journal of the Italian Pharmacological Society 61: 473–481.PubMedCrossRef

Repantis, D., P. Schlattmann, O. Laisney, and I. Heuser. 2010b. Modafinil and methylphenidate for neuroenhancement in healthy individuals: A systematic review. Pharmacological Research the Official Journal of the Italian Pharmacological Society 62: 187–206.PubMedCrossRef

Repantis, D., P. Schlattmann, O. Laisney, and I. Heuser. 2008. Antidepressants for neuroenhancement in healthy individuals: A systematic review. Poiesis Praxis 6: 139–174. doi:10.1007/s10202-008-0060-4.CrossRef

Talbot, M. (2009) Brain gain: The underworld of neuroenhancing drugs. The New Yorker. http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/04/27/090427fa_fact_talbot. Accessed June 2013.

Turner, D.C., T.W. Robbins, L. Clark, et al. 2003. Cognitive enhancing effects of modafinil in healthy volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 165: 260–269.

Yesavage, J.A., M.S. Mumenthaler, J.L. Taylor, et al. 2002. Donepezil and flight simulator performance: Effects on retention of complex skills. Neurology 59: 721.CrossRef

Title: Cosmetic neurology: the role of healthcare professionals
Author: Kinan Muhammed
Publication date: 01-05-2014
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 1386-7423
Electronic ISSN: 1572-8633
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11019-013-9497-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Cosmetic neurology: the role of healthcare professionals

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 2/2014

Erratum to: A rumor of empathy: reconstructing Heidegger’s contribution to empathy and empathic clinical practice

Diagnosing mental disorders and saving the normal

Books received

Short literature notices

Risk, harm and intervention: the case of child obesity

A rumor of empathy: reconstructing Heidegger’s contribution to empathy and empathic clinical practice