Neuropharmacology and the Army

Neuropharmacology and the Military

Modafinil is particularly promising for its ability to improve cognitive function and combat sleep deprivation. When one's circadian rhythm is at a low ebb, this challenges cognitive function, and cognitive performance can decline significantly during these periods. The military has not just researched this on its own, but has been able to borrow from other research on the subject. The medical profession, for example, has examined modafinil, and managing the sleep patterns of shift workers is one of the drug's approved uses. Military personnel can be shift workers, but more often they experience sleep disruptions, especially during combat situations, and modafinil essentially stabilizes cognitive function during these times (Westcott, 2005).

One of the caveats to the use of modafinil is that some cognitive performance tests are subjective -- self-reported results from users with respect to their cognitive function. Modafinil in particular was found to have a disruptive effect on self-monitoring, meaning that users experienced an overconfidence effect, reporting higher cognitive outcomes than were actually experienced (Baranski & Pigeau, 1997). This factor, and the reality that there is a lot still unknown about the mechanics of nootropics in general. While the effects of modafinil might have been overstated at times, the military still sees it as a better alternative to amphetamines, which as of the early 1990s were the drug of choice for military applications. Amphetamines have many physical side effects that could prove counterproductive for military applications. That said, it is reasonable that the military is seeking a superior nootropic,

One of the areas of interest, particular to neuropharmacology, is recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Soldiers frequently suffer from PTSD, but the military recognizes two realities. First, helping soldiers is the right thing to do. Second, every soldier represents an investment in training and experience. If a soldier suffering from PTSD can recover, he/she can be deployed again in some capacity. It is to the benefit of all military branches to find ways to help soldiers recover from PTSD faster and more comprehensively.

PTSD results from exposure to a severe traumatic stressor, and is considered to be a psychiatric disorder (Cain, Maynard & Kehne, 2012). Researchers have learned a lot about PTSD in recent years, including hyperarousal and dysfunctional aversive memories, both of which play a significant role in the severity of PTSD. Early research indicates that there are several potential treatments for the disorder, by targeting memory processes. Drugs are being tested that can alter aversive memories. Such pharmacological therapy would typically be used in conjunction with psychotherapy in order to reduce the impact that aversive memories have, thereby reducing the impact of PTSD on the patient (Cain, Maynard & Kehne, 2012).