[Neuroenhancement in four occupations in Germany]

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Psychopharmacology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Pharmacological neuroenhancement (PN) is increasingly recognized in demanding professions.
• Understanding PN prevalence and its links to work environment and mental state is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of PN in physicians, advertising experts, publishers, and software developers.
• To examine the association between PN and psychosocial working conditions.
• To investigate the relationship between PN and mental health indicators.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study surveyed 4166 employees using computer-assisted personal interviews.
• Prevalence rates (lifetime, 12-month, 4-week) were calculated.
• Poisson regression models analyzed associations with psychosocial factors and mental health.

Main Results:

• Lifetime PN prevalence was 8.4%; 12-month was 2.9%; 4-week was 1.3%.
• Elevated PN rates were observed in advertising experts and female software developers.
• Job support, role clarity, emotional demands, job insecurity, burnout, and depressive symptoms were associated with PN.

Conclusions:

• Prevalence rates in these occupations slightly exceed general population estimates.
• Burnout and depressive symptoms may be risk factors or consequences of PN.