Modafinil Improves Cognition and Attentional Set Shifting
in Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia
by
Turner DC, Clark L, Pomarol-Clotet E,
McKenna P, Robbins TW, Sahakian BJ.
1Department of Psychiatry,
University of Cambridge,
School of Clinical Medicine,
Addenbrooke's Hospital,
Hills Road, Cambridge, UK.
Neuropsychopharmacology. 2004 Apr 7

ABSTRACT

Modafinil, a novel cognitive enhancer, selectively improves neuropsychological task performance in healthy volunteers and adult patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has been argued that persistent cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia are responsible for the failure of many patients to rehabilitate socially even when psychotic symptoms are in remission. The present study examined the potential of modafinil as a cognitive enhancer in schizophrenia. Twenty chronic patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were entered into a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study using a 200 mg dose of modafinil. Modafinil had some cognitive enhancing properties in schizophrenia similar to those observed in healthy adults and adult patients with ADHD. Improvement was seen on short-term verbal memory span, with trends towards improved visual memory and spatial planning. This was accompanied by slowed response latency on the spatial planning task. No effect on stop-signal performance was seen. Importantly, significant improvement in attentional set shifting was seen, despite no effect of modafinil on this task being seen in healthy volunteers or ADHD patients. Modafinil may have potential as an important therapy for cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia, particularly because of its beneficial effects on attentional set shifting.

Dosage
Glutamate
Modafinil: structure
Modafinil and the aviator
Modafinil: pharmacokinetics
Modafinil and the marmoset
Modafinil versus amphetamine
Modafinil versus methylphenidate
Modafinil v amphetamine v placebo
Serotonin and the genetics of depression
Modafinil and prefrontal executive function in schizophrenia

Refs
and further reading

HOME
HedWeb
Nootropics
cocaine.wiki
Future Opioids
BLTC Research
MDMA/Ecstasy
Superhapiness?
Utopian Surgery?
The Abolitionist Project
The Hedonistic Imperative
The Reproductive Revolution
Critique of Huxley's Brave New World

The Good Drug Guide
The Responsible Parent's Guide
To Healthy Mood Boosters For All The Family