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European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience 5/2008

01-11-2008

Neuroenhancement: status quo and perspectives

Authors: Claus Normann, Mathias Berger

Published in: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience | Special Issue 5/2008

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Abstract

Neuroenhancement is a pharmacological attempt to increase cognitive performance in healthy humans. Strategies to improve learning and memory aim at plasticity pathways in the brain; phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as rolipram and NMDA-modulating drugs like donepezil and d-cycloserine have been tested in clinical trials. Modafinil and methylphenidate are used to increase attention and vigilance. Other fields of intense research include mood, social interaction and sexual performance. So far, all clinical trials of neuroenhancing drugs have either failed or demonstrated only very limited efficacy. However, the high demand for neuroenhancement and the intense research efforts might come up with more efficacious drugs in the near future implying the need for an extended ethical discussion in society.
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Metadata
Title
Neuroenhancement: status quo and perspectives
Authors
Claus Normann
Mathias Berger
Publication date
01-11-2008
Publisher
D. Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience / Issue Special Issue 5/2008
Print ISSN: 0940-1334
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8491
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-008-5022-2

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