A new study in the journal Nature has highlighted that scientists use frequently brain-enhancing drugs. A total of 1,400 people from 60 countries responded to an online survey revealing that at least one in five use prescription drugs to improve their focus, concentration, or memory.

The most used drug is methylphenidate, better known for its brand name Ritalin. The drug is a central nervous system stimulant patented in 1954 by the Ciba pharmaceutical company (one of the predecessors of Novartis). Ritalin is commonly used to treat Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

"It does work. We know that from lab studies," said Martha Farah, director of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania, as quoted by CNN. "Obviously they help people with ADHD, but for many, if not all, normal people, they also enhance attention."

The study noted that half of those doping themselves reported side effects, such as headaches, anxiety and sleeping troubles. A third of the drug users bought them over the Internet, most of them got it from a pharmacist or from a friend. The responders said they would feel pressured to give the drugs to their children if other children were taking them.

"What it suggests is there is a sense of coercion. You feel a competitive nature," said Brendan Maher, an editor with the journal Nature, quoted by CNN. "If others are taking them, you might be missing out on something," he said.

Among the motives for doping, improving concentration was the main reason cited for using these drugs with enhancing focus on a specific task being a close second.