Scholarly Article Summary

In the article "Why Using Meds for 'Neuroenhancement' Is a Scary Thought" (2010) Christopher Lane discusses the rising problem of college students abusing prescription medications that were originally prescribed for individuals with various types of neurological problems. Throughout his paper Dr. Lane supplies the reader with several articles and studies to inform them of the issue. Lane started off his article by mentioning an article written by Margaret Talbot and how it opened the social doors for a discussion of the pros and cons between the use of these prescription stimulants. Opening his paper this way allowed Lane to present both sides of the issue. Incorporating the work of psychiatrist Peter D. Kramer into his article provided Lane with step stones for the dark side of neuroenhancement drugs and specific medications used in the instances of ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Lane also informs the reader how the college students obtain the drugs and the percent of students that have used prescription stimulants in U.S Universities and their reasoning behind it. Prodominantly students use prescription stimulants to become the best of their class. According to Lane students abuse the medications in order to "ovecome academic performance anxieties or being bested by their peers". Lane also noted that the higher competative schools have a higher abuse or use rate.