2023-07-03 07:00:00
Title: Study Shows Prescription Psychostimulants Not Effective for Cognitive Performance Enhancement
Subtitle: Popular “Smart Drugs” Fail to Deliver Desired Results, According to Recent Research
Date: [Insert Date]
In a recent study published in the journal “Science Advances,” researchers have found that prescription psychostimulants, including methylphenidate (commonly known as Ritalin), dextroamphetamine, and modafinil, do not provide performance-enhancing effects as expected. The study, led by Elizabeth Bowman from the University of Melbourne, reveals that participants actually performed better when taking a placebo instead of the drugs.
The study involved 40 subjects aged between 18 and 35, who were tasked with solving the “backpack problem” in eight different variations. The objective was to assemble objects of varying weight and value for a virtual backpack, aiming to achieve the highest total value without exceeding a predetermined weight limit. The participants completed the tests four times, with each round involving one of the three drugs or a placebo in a double-blind setup.
The researchers discovered that the overall value achieved by the backpack, indicating the quality of problem-solving, was consistently lower when participants took the stimulants. This effect was especially pronounced for those who performed well during the round without the drugs. Interestingly, individuals who initially performed poorly without the stimulants experienced a slight improvement in their performance when they took the drugs.
Despite the lack of cognitive enhancement, all three drugs did increase the motivation of the test subjects, as evident from their increased test attempts and expended time. For example, participants taking methylphenidate took half as long to solve the problem compared to those who took a placebo.
However, neuroscientist Peter Bossaerts from the University of Cambridge cautions that further examination is warranted. He acknowledges that the drugs do boost motivation due to their stimulation of dopamine production but highlights that the increased effort can lead to more erratic thinking.
The complexity of the study design sets it apart from traditional laboratory tests, such as reaction-time assessments. These findings support a previous US study published in the journal “Science” in 2020, which also found no performance-enhancing effects of these drugs. Another study conducted with overtired surgeons using modafinil demonstrated different results based on the test type, indicating the need for further investigation.
While prescription psychostimulants such as Ritalin have their place in medical treatment, it is important to consider potential side effects. The new study urges individuals to reconsider their expectations regarding these drugs’ performance-enhancing capabilities.
In conclusion, the study dispels the notion that prescription psychostimulants can significantly improve cognitive performance, indicating the need for more in-depth research and tempering expectations.]
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