Cosmetic Psychopharmacology for Prisoners: Reducing Crime and Recidivism Through Cognitive Enhancement

• In Event: Biosocial Research on Nutrition and Antisocial Behaviors

Abstract

Criminologists have long acknowledged the link between a number of cognitive deficits, including low intelligence and impulsivity, and crime. Studies also show that prisoners are significantly more likely to have suffered from a Traumatic Brain Injury in their lifetime than the non-incarcerated population, possibly contributing to some of these deficits. A new wave of research has demonstrated that pharmacological intervention can restore or improve cognitive function, particularly executive function (including the inhibition of impulsive response), and restore neural plasticity. Such restoration and improvement can allow for easier acquisition of new skills and as a result, presents significant possibilities for the criminal justice system. For example, studies have shown that supplements of Omega-3, a fatty acid commonly found in food such as tuna, can decrease frequency of violent incidents in an incarcerated population. Another study has found that modafinil, a drug that is FDA-approved for sleep-related disorders, inhibits impulsive response to stimuli. However, there are significant ethical, legal, and social implications when moving from dietary supplements to prescription pharmaceuticals and medical devices for cognitive enhancement. This paper will explore these ethical, legal and social issues surrounding the use of pharmacological intervention on prisoners as an effort to reduce crime and recidivism.

Authors

• Adam B. Shniderman, Texas Christian University

• Lauren B. Solberg, University of Florida