A growing trend for some individuals is to enhance their cognitive capabilities through prescription drugs meant for patients with ADD. These individuals use these medications despite having no diagnosed disorder.
Neuroenhancement is the artificial increase of mental performance using medication. It is also referred to as brain doping. The individual enhances his concentration, alertness, and overall behavior.
Drinking coffee or taking in caffeine may be considered as a practice of neuroenhancement. But caffeine is considered both as a drug and a food additive. It is legal and unregulated in nearly all parts of the world whereas ADD drugs require a prescription.
This practice is more similar to performance enhancing drugs in sports than for recreational use. Questions whether this practice is ethical in the light of academic and professional environments.
Although this practice is not widespread (It is estimated that 1% to 11% of university students take these drugs for cognitive enhancement), there is a danger that this practice may become prevalent.
