Examines the processes of normal and abnormal decision making
Looks at the new techniques that allow neuroscientists to investigate brain activity
Discusses the impact of extreme emotions on brain activity, introducing the concept of 'hot' and 'cold' decision making
Considers the ways in which these extremes might be treated
Addresses the ethical questions about the use of 'smart drugs' for cognitive enhancement
Making decisions is such a regular activity that it is mostly taken for granted. However, damage or abnormality in the areas of the brain involved in decision-making can severely affect personality and the ability to manage even simple tasks.

Here, Barbara Sahakian and Jamie Nicole LaBuzetta discuss the process of normal decision making - our strategies for making decisions, biases that affect us, and influential factors - and then describe the abnormal patterns found in patients with conditions such as severe depression, Alzheimer's, and accidental brain damage.

Using striking examples and case studies from their own research to show the impact of abnormal decision making, they introduce the concept of 'hot' and 'cold' decision making based on the level of emotions involved, showing that in various psychiatric conditions extreme emotions alter the pattern of decision making.

Looking at the ways in which the brain can be manipulated to improve cognitive function in these patients, they consider the use of 'smart drugs' that alleviate these problems. The realization that smart drugs can improve cognitive abilities in healthy people has led to growing general use, with drugs easily available via the Internet. They raise ethical questions about the availability of these drugs for cognitive enhancement, in the hope of informing public debate about an increasingly important issue.


Preface
1: Life Choices
2: Peering Inside the 'Black Box'
3: Extreme Emotions and Risky Behaviour
4: Interventions - Drugs Hit the Press
5: Professor's Little Helper - The Ethics of Enhanced Cognition
Concluding Thoughts
References