The Future of Psychopharmacological Enhancements: Expectations and Policies

• DOI: 10.1007/s12152-009-9032-1
• Publication Date: 2009-02-10T12:27:52Z
• Authors: Maartje Schermer; Ineke Bolt; Reinoud de Jongh; Berend Olivier
• Keywords: Neuroethics

The hopes and fears expressed in the debate on human enhancement are not always based a realistic assessment of expected possibilities. Discussions about extreme scenarios may at times obscure ethical policy issues that relevant today. This paper aims to contribute an adequate ethically sound societal response actual current developments. After brief outline concerning neuro-enhancement, it describes state art psychopharmacological science uses enhancement, as well prospects for near future. It then identifies regarding enhancements require attention from policymakers, both professional governmental level. These concern research, gradual expansion medical categories, off-label prescription responsibility doctors, accessibility enhancers Internet. is concluded further discussion advantages drawbacks collective social level still needed.