Methylphenidate and pharmacological cognitive enhancement: social representations of university students

Abstract

The article aims to present the outcome of the investigation of social representations of 20 university students on the use of methylphenidate to improve cognitive performance in healthy people. In this qualitative and exploratory research, 20 university students between 18 and 25 years from health and humanities courses were divided into 3 focus groups to discuss about Pharmacological Cognitive Enhancement. Data analysis revealed that these students had greater tolerance to methods that alter neurobiology in favor of the social ideal of improving the performance of people. However, respondents expressed great concern about this procedure intensifying injustices and inequalities between people, especially in societies where there are already significant social differences. Thus, although the subject is little studied in Brazil, the analysis of data from this research suggests that Pharmacological Cognitive Enhancement is an important and relevant topic. Not only because this practice is related to construction and maintenance of individuals' subjectivity in a society that prioritizes the improvement in cognitive performance, but also because of the risk that this practice interferes in matters of social justice and equality.