Novelty-seeking trait predicts the effect of methylphenidate on creativity
Hila Z Gvirts1, Naama Mayseless1, Aviv Segev2,3
11 Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|September 15, 2016
Summary
Methylphenidate (MPH) affects creativity differently based on personality. It boosts creativity in individuals with lower novelty seeking (NS) but hinders it in those with high NS, showing personality
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- Cognitive enhancement using psychostimulants is increasing in healthy adults.
- The impact of psychostimulants on specific cognitive functions and their interaction with personality traits remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of methylphenidate (MPH) on creativity in healthy adults.
- To examine the association between MPH's effect on creativity and novelty seeking (NS) personality traits.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-six healthy adults without ADHD symptoms participated.
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled design was used, with participants randomly assigned to receive MPH or placebo.
- Creativity and novelty seeking were assessed.
Main Results:
- The effect of MPH on creativity was significantly dependent on participants' novelty seeking (NS) levels.
- MPH enhanced creativity in individuals with lower NS.
- MPH decreased creativity in individuals with high NS.
Conclusions:
- Novelty seeking (NS) personality traits predict the impact of methylphenidate (MPH) on creativity in healthy individuals.
- These findings suggest the dopaminergic system plays a role in creativity and its modulation by psychostimulants.
- Individual personality differences are crucial for understanding the effects of cognitive enhancers.
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