"Shortcuts" are not short, and "smart drugs" are not smart

Author: Liang Yiqun, Deputy Chief Pharmacist, Women and Children's Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University

Reviewer: Wang Yejun, Chief Physician, Women and Children's Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University

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In the fiercely competitive modern society, parents generally expect their children to achieve excellent academic results, and this expectation sometimes leads some parents to seek "shortcuts". Against this background, a magical product called "smart drugs" appeared on the market, claiming to significantly improve children's intelligence. Many parents and students believed the propaganda that "smart drugs" can "improve memory" and make people "become academic masters in a second", which pushed "smart drugs" to the "altar".

On this day, a middle-aged woman walked into the doctor's office and said anxiously: "Doctor, my child is about to take the college entrance examination. I heard that there is a kind of 'smart drug' that can improve academic performance. I want to buy some for my child." During the exam season, many parents will consult doctors about "smart drugs". However, can "smart drugs" really make children smarter? What kind of drug is this? What effect does it have on children? Today, we will uncover the truth about "smart drugs" from a scientific perspective.

1. What are “smart drugs”?

First of all, we need to make it clear that there is no drug that is widely recognized by the scientific community and proven to directly improve intelligence. There has never been a "smart drug" in the hospital. The "smart drug" circulating on the market is actually a psychotropic drug, and its abuse may lead to addiction. The so-called "smart drugs" are mostly drugs containing stimulants, neurotransmitter precursors or other ingredients. These drugs may improve people's attention, reaction speed and other cognitive functions in the short term, but they cannot really improve intelligence. Today we will introduce some representative drugs. In fact, they have been on the market for a long time, but before they were dubbed "smart drugs", they had more common names-Ritalin tablets (methylphenidate tablets) and Focus (methylphenidate hydrochloride sustained-release tablets), which are mostly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and can also be used to treat narcolepsy. Methylphenidate is the active ingredient of these two drugs. It is a central nervous system stimulant that can excite the cerebral cortex and concentrate attention.

In fact, this type of drug belongs to the first category of psychotropic drugs that are strictly controlled by the state. The reason why they are controlled drugs is that they are highly addictive and dependent. They have both an "angelic" side - under the premise of safe use, they can play an indispensable clinical therapeutic value; and a "devil" side - if used for non-medical purposes, they can lead to drug addiction and other behavioral disorders [1]. According to Chinese law, the illegal use or injection of narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs that are controlled by the state and can cause addiction is drug abuse. As early as 2007, the "Guidelines for the Clinical Application of Narcotic Drugs" issued by the former Ministry of Health of my country mentioned: "Drug abuse has become a global problem that poses a major threat to human survival and development [2]." Therefore, before taking this type of drug, the doctor needs to strictly master the indications, usage and dosage according to the child's condition, and must not use it blindly.

2. Potential risks of “smart drugs”

1. Physiological risks

Long-term use of drugs containing stimulants may cause damage to children's bodies, such as excessive sweating, accelerated heartbeat, increased blood pressure, headaches, stomachaches, insomnia, etc. Abuse of "smart drugs" will not only bring the above-mentioned harms, but also cause adaptive changes in children's bodies, forming a new balance (pathological adaptive state), that is, physical dependence. Once the medication is stopped, not only will the addiction not disappear, but the symptoms will be aggravated, leading to withdrawal reactions, such as mental depression, lack of concentration, irritability and madness. Severe cases cannot get rid of drug dependence and may even embark on the path of drug abuse.

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2. Psychological risks

Over-reliance on drugs to improve cognitive function may cause children to develop psychological dependence and lack of self-confidence. Once they stop using drugs, they may feel that they have become "stupid", which may lead to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. At the same time, because this drug acts on the human nervous system, once a child develops mental dependence, even if detoxification treatment is carried out, it often takes months to years to fully recover.

3. Educational risks

If parents rely too much on drugs to improve their children's grades, they may neglect their children's development in other aspects, causing them to become "high-scoring, low-ability" children. Such children may get high scores in exams, but lack problem-solving, social and innovative abilities in real life, and may face greater challenges in future social competition.

3. How to really improve children's intelligence

1. Balanced nutrition

Ensuring that children take in adequate nutrients, such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, helps the normal development and function of the brain.

2. Quality education

Providing a good educational environment, such as excellent teachers and rich extracurricular activities, can stimulate children's interest in learning and potential.

3. Exercise moderately

Appropriate physical exercise can promote blood circulation and metabolism, provide more oxygen and nutrients to the brain, and help improve children's cognitive functions.

4. Keep a good work and rest schedule

Ensuring adequate sleep and rest helps the brain recover and rebuild, improving children's learning efficiency.

In summary, "smart drugs" cannot really make children smarter, but may bring a series of potential risks. As parents, do not easily believe the so-called "instantly turn into a top student, safe and non-toxic" propaganda. You should abandon this unrealistic fantasy and use scientific methods to improve your child's intelligence level. Only in this way can we truly cultivate new-age talents who are both knowledgeable and capable.

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References

[1] Feng Bianling. Pharmaceutical Management[M]. 7th edition. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2022.

[2] General Office of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China. Notice of the Ministry of Health on the issuance of the “Guidelines for the Clinical Application of Narcotic Drugs”: Weiyifa [2007] No. 38 [EB/OL]. (2007-01-25). [2024-07-17]. http://www.

nhc.gov.cn/bgt/pw10704/200705/4381b0ae7f72464c9d364e81ed491022.shtml.