104. Modafinil Exerts Dose-Dependent Effects on Risk-Taking as Measured by the Human Iowa Gambling Task

Poor decision-making driving increased risk-taking is a hallmark symptom of many psychiatric disorders, quantifiable by the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), and linked to real-world outcomes e.g., suicide and drug use. Identifying remediating treatments for people with such disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, HIV etc.), is vital toward improving their lives. Modafinil is an atypical stimulant that can improve cognition, but animal studies suggest high doses increase risk-taking. We hypothesized a dose-dependent effect of modafinil in risk-taking of healthy people such that higher doses would impair, while lower doses would improve, risk-taking.
Source: Biological Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research