<p>I think in this case, you should look at 2 graphs of optimal performance. So one inverted bell curve (Yerkes-Dodson Law)for the stimulant, and another for the 'downer'. So in this case, each has their own optimal productivity, and an interaction of the 2 isn't just a simple combination, because this would be a third graph altogether. So unless there is something you know of the exact interation effect of the particular stimulant, and particular depressant,I wouldn't risk mixing them for optimal productivity.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-06-02T07:44:43.793Z
2017-06-02T07:44:43.793Z
Divya
<p>According to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yerkes%E2%80%93Dodson_law" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Yerkes-Dodson Law</a>, there is optimal point of arousal and performance. Suppose a person takes a stimulant such as Adderall. This would increase his arousal. However, it may increase his anxiety (e.g. side effects). Would combining a "downer" (such as alcohol) with an "upper" (such as Adderall) maximize productivity? This is assuming that at a baseline level, a person cannot maximize his productivity.  </p>

<performance><drugs>
Yerkes-Dodson Law and Drugs
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# Yerkes-Dodson Law and Drugs

(Asked by: username_0 on 2017-05-31)

According to the [Yerkes-Dodson Law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yerkes%E2%80%93Dodson_law), there is optimal point of arousal and performance. Suppose a person takes a stimulant such as Adderall. This would increase his arousal. However, it may increase his anxiety (e.g. side effects). Would combining a "downer" (such as alcohol) with an "upper" (such as Adderall) maximize productivity? This is assuming that at a baseline level, a person cannot maximize his productivity.

**Tags:** performance, drugs


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2017-06-02. Score: 1

I think in this case, you should look at 2 graphs of optimal performance. So one inverted bell curve (Yerkes-Dodson Law)for the stimulant, and another for the 'downer'. So in this case, each has their own optimal productivity, and an interaction of the 2 isn't just a simple combination, because this would be a third graph altogether. So unless there is something you know of the exact interation effect of the particular stimulant, and particular depressant,I wouldn't risk mixing them for optimal productivity.


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