"Is Modafinil a 'Smart' Choice to Treat Cognitive Problems in Psychiatric Disorders?"

Modafinil was developed to promote wakefulness in people with narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, but the stimulant's reported ability to improve thinking and memory has led to its off-label use as a "smart drug" by people without sleep problems. Modafinil has shown some promise as a treatment for patients with bipolar depression, though primarily to assist with the sleep problems that are core components of this disorder. "Most people didn't really think cognitive defects were a significant problem in bipolar disorder, so targeting them wasn't considered a goal of clinical studies," said Katherine Burdick, PhD, an associate professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Burdick is undertaking a clinical study to see whether modafinil can improve this imbalance in circadian rhythm and whether a morning dose can improve cognition and sleep schedules.

- Katherine Burdick, PhD, Associate Professor, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Chief, Neurocognitive Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

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