Neuroenhancement of Kids “Not Justifiable,” Neurology Groups Say

Neuroenhancement — the use of prescription drugs (e.g., stimulants) by healthy people to increase normal brain function — “is not justifiable” for children without diagnosed neurological disorders, according to a new position paper published in Neurology.

The paper also notes that for “nearly autonomous” adolescents, neuroenhancement is “inadvisable because of numerous social, developmental, and professional integrity issues.”

The authors offer a series of discussion points to guide physicians' conversations with parents who request neuroenhancement medications for healthy children and teens.

The position paper is endorsed by the American Academy of Neurology, Child Neurology Society, and American Neurological Association.

— The Editors of Phys…