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Interference effects on verbal memory function, following oral lorazepam
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 10:07 authored by Tsakonas, J, Kenneth KirkbyKenneth Kirkby, Montgomery, IM, Daniels, BAPrevious studies have consistently reported deficits in verbal memory following oral lorazepam administration. The possible role of susceptibility to interference effects as a contributory mechanism in benzodiazepine amnesia has not been examined as an independent variable. In addition, most studies of benzodiazepine amnesia have not controlled for the possible confounding effects of alcohol consumption, recently reported to affect the degree of amnesia produced by lorazepam. The present study assessed the verbal memory capabilities of 24 low social drinkers (MAST score < 3) receiving either oral lorazepam (2 mg) or placebo. Interference effects on verbal memory were assessed using the Auditory Verbal Learning Test, with either the interference word list (trial B) or a counting backwards task. Lorazepam significantly reduced the recall scores for list B, compared to the first presentation of list A, suggesting lorazepam may increase susceptibility to proactive interference. There was no drug effect on retroactive interference. With regard to recall per se, lorazepam impaired verbal learning for initial acquisition trials (trials 2 and 3) but not subsequent trials, where learning was comparable to the placebo. Lorazepam did not produce significant impairment in immediate and delayed recall trials. This pattern of recall does not conform to the classic profile of benzodiazepine-induced amnesia; potential explanations for this are discussed.
History
Publication title
Journal of PsychopharmacologyVolume
10Pagination
225-230ISSN
0269-8811Department/School
School of Psychological SciencesPublisher
Sage Publications LtdPlace of publication
UKRepository Status
- Restricted