Psychomotor changes during initial day of benzodiazepine medication.

Wittenborn, J. R.; Cf, Flaherty; McGough, W. Edward; Nash, RJ

doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.1979.tb04668.x

Cited by 22 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…With paperand-pencil versions of the test, higher (Bond & Lader, 1973;Schaeffer, Andrysiak, & Ungerleider, 1981), lower (McClain, Kromhout, Zieve, & Duane, 1981), and comparable (Eckhardt, Parker, Noble, Pautler, & Gottschalk, 1979;Kornetsky, 1951) scores have been reported under nondrug conditions. Of special relevance to this comparison are studies with the paper-and-pencil version of the DSST that showed not only scores comparable to those found using the present method, but similar acquisition curves for repeated administration as well (Wittenborn, Flaherty, McGough, Bossange, & Nash, 1976;Wittenborn, Flaherty, McGough, & Nash, 1979). Further research should provide direct comparisons of our automated DSST with paper-and-pencil versions, in terms of test-retest reliability, range of scores, and score distribution characteristics.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An automated version of the digit symbol substitution test (DSST)

McLeod

Griffiths

Bigelow

et al. 1982

Behavior Research Methods & Instrumentation

354

218

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An automated version of the Digit Symbol Substitution Test is described that employs a relatively inexpensive, commercially available microcomputer to present and score the task. Advantages of the automated DSST include: (1) objective scoring of both speed and accuracy of test performance, (2) printed copies of test scores, (3) convenient administration under standardized test conditions, and (4) the capacity for repeated assessment of an individual's performance over time. Task performance data for individual subjects following doses of pentobarbital are presented; these data illustrate both the stability of task performance under constant conditions and the within-subjects sensitivity of task performance to experimental manipulations.The Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), a component of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (Wechsler, 1958), is frequently used to measure associative ability. The DSST is also a popular instrument for the assessment of performance following administration of pharmacological agents. Indeed, it appears to be one of the more sensitive tasks used for this purpose (Hindmarch, 1980; McNair, 1973;Wittenborn, 1979).The DSST typically is administered as a paper-andpencil task. A subject is given a digit-symbol code in which each of nine digits is paired with a different symbol. On the same page (located below the code), a series of digits, selected from those in the code, is presented in an irregular order. The subject is instructed to draw the symbol that is appropriate for each digit in the space below each digit and to draw as many correct symbols as possible within a 90-sec test period.The present paper describes an automated version of the DSST that can be implemented easily on a commercially available personal microcomputer. This computerized version of the task offers advantages over the traditional pencil-and-paper version in terms of conve- nience, objective scoring, repeated measurement, and experimental control. METHODWith the automated DSST, the digit-symbol code is constantly displayed at the top of the video screen and the test digits are presented, one at a time, in the center of the screen. The subject's task is to enter, on the microcomputer keyboard, the geometric pattern of keypresses, shown in the digit-symbol code, which corresponds to the test digit. The microcomputer controls each 90-sec test session, scores the test, and stores the results; there is no need for a test administrator to be present during the test session.To implement the DSST program that controls the procedures described below, we use a TRS-80® Model I or Model III microcomputer (Radio Shack) with Level II BASIC and numeric key pad, a cassette tape recorder to load and save the program, and a peripheral interface package manufactured by the LVB Corporation (Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania). The interface package includes a 1080-54 programmable timer card, 1080-01 bus extension, and a 1081-72 daisy chain cable. A Quick Printer II® (Radio Shack) is a useful system addition for providing printed rec...

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An automated version of the digit symbol substitution test (DSST)

McLeod

Griffiths

Bigelow

et al. 1982

Behavior Research Methods & Instrumentation

354

218

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Part of the daily routine for many of these benzodiazepine users is automobile driving and the use of these psychotropic agents by drivers is considered to be on the increase. Sedation or residual sedation when the drug is used on the previous night is likely to interfere with the performance of routine everyday tasks, especially motor vehicle operation (Breimer, 1979;Brookhuis et al, 1990;Clayton, 1976;Hindmarch, 1979;Jansen et al, 1986;Smiley & Moskowitz, 1986;Stevenson et al, 1986;Volkerts & O'Hanlon, 1986;Wittenborn et al, 1979). The implications of these facts become evident as the epidemiological data are reviewed and an increased accident rate is associated with the use of hypnotic benzodiazepines (Hindmarch, 1976a;Honkanen et al, 1980;Moskowitz, 1984;Skegg et al, 1979;Smiley & Moskowitz, 1986 (Eves et al, 1988;Eves & Lader, 1989;Greenblatt et al, 1989;Hindmarch, 1986;Reitan et al, 1986;Warot et al, 1987; Wittenborn, 1979).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The use of microcomputer‐based psychomotor tests for the evaluation of benzodiazepine effects on human performance: a review with emphasis on temazepam.

Kunsman¹,

Je²,

Br³

et al. 1992

Brit J Clinical Pharma

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1 The literature relating to the effects of benzodiazepines in general, and temazepam in particular, on human psychomotor performance as assessed using microcomputerbased testing batteries is surveyed. 2 The adverse effects of central nervous system depressants on performance is an important mediocolegal issue and frequently comes into question in on-the-road and on-the-job accidents. The use of microcomputer-based testing batteries allows for performance evaluation both in the laboratory and at-the-scene, as well as providing the opportunity to model a large number of different behaviours required in routine yet complex psychomotor tasks. 3 The conclusions in general are: (1) The benzodiazepines as a class of drugs impair both cognitive and motor performance. These effects are often subtle when low doses are involved or when testing occurs the morning following evening administration of the medication. (2) No single psychomotor task adequately simulates complex daily tasks such as automobile driving. A battery of tests that evaluates a number of the components of such tasks is necessary to determine adequately the full range of effects of these medications.

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“…Early human studies have examined the effects of clobazam on simple reaction time and showed that, unlike diazepam and chlordiazepoxide, it produced no impairment in this test at comparable acute doses (Borland & Nicholson, 1J974;Berry et al, 1974). These results were followed up by a large number of investigations into the effects of clobazam on laboratory tests of psychomotor function and on the performance of skilled tasks, including driving motor cars (Biehl, 1974;Hunt et al, 1974;Caille & Bassano, 1975;Fernandez-Guardiola et al, 1975;Leygonie et al, 1975;Parrott & Hindmarch, 1975a and b;Rigal & Savelli, 1975;Hindmarch et al, 1977;Parrott & Hindmarch, 1977;Doongaji et al, 1978;Parrott & Hindmarch, 1978;Salkind et al, 1979;Wittenborn et al, 1979). Most of these studies were carried out using normal volunteers but two were specifically designed to investigate performance effects in clinically anxious patients (Doongaji et al, 1978;Salkind et al, 1979).…”

Section: Clinical Pharmacologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Clobazam: pharmacological and therapeutic profile.

Hanks¹

1979

Brit J Clinical Pharma

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1 Clobazam is a 1,5‐benzodiazepine the pharmacological profile of which differs from that of the 1,4 benzodiazepines in that it displays a wide separation of psychosedative or 'tranquillizing' properties from impairment of motor coordination. This is associated with a relative lack of muscle relaxant activity. 2 In man it seems to be an effective anxiolytic agent when given in daily doses of 20‐30 mg but produces minimal effects on psychomotor performance at these dose levels. 3 Clobazam has a long elimination half‐life of about 18 h; the main metabolite is N‐desmethylclobazam. Clobazam seems to share the good safety and tolerability characteristics of the 1,4 benzodiazepines.

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Psychomotor changes during initial day of benzodiazepine medication.

Cited by 22 publications

References 18 publications

An automated version of the digit symbol substitution test (DSST)

An automated version of the digit symbol substitution test (DSST)

The use of microcomputer‐based psychomotor tests for the evaluation of benzodiazepine effects on human performance: a review with emphasis on temazepam.

Clobazam: pharmacological and therapeutic profile.

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