Studies on Application of Psychoactive Drugs for Relieving of Combat Fatigue

Kim, Dong-Soo

Journal of the Korea Institute of Military Science and Technology 2010;13(4):689-698.

Dong-Soo Kim

Air Force Academy

전투피로 완화를 위한 정신약물의 활용에 관한 연구

김동수

공군사관학교 기초과학과

Abstract

Fatigue has been a common symptom of warfighters who were participated in the early morning hours, late night hours, and sustained operations. Continuous operations may disrupt circadian rhythm, resulting in impaired combat capability. It is important to enhance alertness and sleep quality of warfighters for maintaining combat capability. A number of anti-fatigue strategies are available including medications. Here in, the pharmacological countermeasures of combat fatigue have reviewed, and the direction of research in the pharmacological countermeasures against combat fatigue are proposed.

Key Words: Combat Fatigue, Countermeasures, Combat Capability, Alertness-enhancing Drugs, Modafinil, Amphetamine