Recent research has shown that one in five scientists admits to using prescription drugs, which help them with their focus, concentration or memory.

An online survey, posted on the Nature Network, was conducted on sample of 1427 respondents from 60 countries. The survey focused on three main drugs available by prescription or via the internet.

Ritalin is a stimulant which is normally used in order to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder;  is prescribed to treat sleep disorders; and beta-blockers, which are drugs prescribed for heart failure and high blood pressure.

Almost 70% of respondents say that they would be willing to risk mild side-effects in order to “boost brain power” by taking cognitive-enhancing drugs, while half of those who use the respective drugs report effects such as headaches, jitteriness, anxiety and sleeplessness.

What is clear is that the boundary between treating illness and enhancing wellbeing is continuing to blur, and that taking performance-enhancing products is starting to gain cultural acceptance.