Lorazepam effects on Word Memory Test performance: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The Word Memory Test (WMT) is a widely used measure for assessing symptom validity in clinical and forensic evaluations.
• Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, are commonly prescribed medications that can affect cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of acute lorazepam (LOR) administration on performance on the Word Memory Test (WMT).
• To determine if LOR influences symptom validity assessment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted with 28 participants.
• Participants received either 2 mg oral lorazepam (LOR) or placebo, with WMT administered under both conditions one week apart.

Main Results:

• Significant effects of LOR were observed on Immediate Recognition (p=.007) and Consistency (p=.019) scores.
• Reaction Time Measures (Immediate Recognition RT, p=.013; Delayed Recognition RT, p=.001; Multiple Choice RT, p=.011) and Delayed Memory scores (Multiple Choice, p=.007; Paired Associates, p=.029; Free Recall, p=.001) were significantly affected by LOR.
• Six participants failed the WMT during LOR testing but passed during placebo testing.

Conclusions:

• Acute lorazepam dosing can significantly affect multiple measures of the Word Memory Test.
• These findings underscore the importance of considering potential medication effects on symptom validity testing performance in clinical decision-making.