Boards
Psychopharmacology
Say whatever you want relating to the topic (i find the whole subject area fascinating).
I would like to know specifically what your thoughts are on making some prescription medications available to the general public instead of only for people who suffer from mental illness, in particular psycho stimulants. If they are able to improve levels of cognition why should they only be available to people who suffer from an illness. You would think institutions would be lobbying for them to be available for the general public. There is a long list prescription medications that could be helpful for a large portion of the population.
The one reason that immediately comes to mind, are the side effects of these drugs are not well known. Psychology, and more so psychopharmacology are relatively new sciences, and it would be viewed as irresponsible to hand out medications to healthy people that might cause adverse effects. Is this the only reason though?
Do you think that in the near future people who do not suffer from a mental illness will be able to purchase medications that enhance their abilities?
Is this fair? We view athletes using steroids negatively, is this not similar?
*I myself was diagnosed with ADHD near the end of last summer, and would like to hear your opinions.