Behavioral and Psychosocial Context of Pharmaceutical Cognitive Enhancers` Misuse

Abstract

Background In an effort for better memory, greater motivation and concentration, otherwise healthy individuals use Pharmaceutical Cognitive Enhancers (PCE), medicines for the treatment of cognitive deficits of patients with various disorders and health problems, to achieve greater productivity, efficiency, and performance. Methods In our study, we examined the use of PCE use among 289 students at the Slovenian Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the behavioral and psychosocial context (students’ attitudes towards study, parents, health, leisure time and work). Furthermore, we addressed also the immediate reasons, or the hypothesized connections of behavioral and psychosocial aspects, related to PCE misuse. The study consisted of a structured questionnaire, and the chi-square tests were used. Results An analysis of student statements revealed differences in students` and parents` attitudes toward good academic grades. In addition, students chose among 17 values relating to relationships with parents, friends, partners, careers, study obligations, leisure, hobbies, material goods, appearance and the future, and assessed their importance. Regardless of the group they belonged to, young people cited the same values among the most important. Good grades and parental opinions have proven to be key factors in the context of PCE abuse. Conclusions This research was the first study to examine the relation between PCE misuse and the role of different behavioral and psychosocial factors. However, the further research is needed, both on the actual effects of PCE on healthy people, as well as on continuing research towards behavioral and psychosocial factors.