Using drugs to modify the effect of response prevention on avoidance extinction

Methods of deconditioning persisting avoidance: Diazepam as an adjunct to response prevention

“…This study, therefore, supports the conclusion derived from similar studies (Kamano, 1973;Taub et al, 1977) that the benzodiazepines are not efftcient adjuncts to RP, particularly when performance after treatment and without drug is the measure of interest. Perhaps previous studies were inadequate because the total RP period was short in relationship to the amount of training and because there was only one session under the influence of drug.…”

“…Chlordiazepoxide, for example, actually led to more persisting avoidance than placebo. The conclusion reached by Taub et al based on their data and others (e.g., Kamano, 1973) was that giving such drugs to control anxiety/fear/avoidance was not only ineffective but potentially detrimental. Perhaps, however, the Taub et al (1977) procedure, using a single, relatively brief period of RP under the influence of a drug, provided a peculiar test of a drug's potential to modify persisting avoidance.…”

Methods of deconditioning persisting avoidance: Drugs as adjuncts to response prevention

“…Our initial testing of psychotropic agents as adjuncts to RP (Christy & Reid, 1975;Cooper, Coon, Mejta, & Reid, 1974) confirmed the results of others (e.g., Kamano, 1972;Miller, 1961), indicating that some drugs used as adjuncts to RP either reduced the usual effectiveness of RP or led to heightened persisting avoidance. Chlorpromazine, chlordiaze-poxide, and sodium amy tal, at some doses, calmed the rat during RP but subsequently led to more persisting avoidance than would have been expected had the rat received no RP.…”

“…It has been shown that ethanol, chlorpromazine, and chlordiazepoxide are not efficient adjuncts to RP (Baum, 1969;Cooper et al, 1974;Kamano, 1972).…”

Effects of stimulus associated with amobarbital administration on avoidance behavior

“…A ID-W light bulb mounted above each compartment served as the CS, and shock was delivered through a grid floor. Details of the apparatus and shock source are descn1Jed elsewhere (Kamano, 1972).…”