Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Cosmetic Psychopharmacology: Ethical and Deontological Dilemmas
It is nothing new to resort to psychoactive substances in the absence of any pathology or subclinical condition in order to enhance or improve one's performance. After all , various substances have been used in sport, study, and work activities and even hallucinogenic effects have been noted. This matter has come up again after increasing dispersion of antidepression products among those who are neither depressed nor dysthymic b· • su ~ects . Studies in neurochemistry and neurophysiology have highlighted that the brain tone depends on the production of a specific substance, serotonin , which is, after some time, removed from blood circulation (reuptake) by specific nervous receptors, so as to extinguish its effects. A rapid drop of this substance is responsible for certain kinds of depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, chronic pain, compulsive eating, sleeplessness, irritability!, and aggressive behavior. For this reason, medications that inhibit serotonin reuptake from blood circulation have been produced. These medications maintain the high level of serotonin which means a good mood (euthymia) , sound sleep, appetite satiation, and pain relief. Some individuals who were committed to spiritual meditation were initially reluctant to take a drug because it might "contaminate their mind"; they also did not agree with the idea that the "dark of the soul" depression should be treated pharmacologically.