Information processing and benzodiazepines

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of two selected benzodiazepines on aspects of information processing. The theoretical framework chosen was the 'levels of processing' model by Craik and Lockhart [J. verbal Learn. verbal Behav. 11: 671-684, 1972] modified so as to permit storage strategies to be assessed directly as dependent variables. A double-blind study with 72 healthy male volunteers was used to investigate the effects of clobazam and lorazepam in comparison to placebo on storage strategies, different variables of retrieval and the extent to which storage and retrieval strategies agreed. Concentration and changes in mood were also determined. Neither clobazam nor lorazepam affected the storage strategies, but various aspects of retrieval were significantly impaired by both drugs. Thus the psychotropic agents selected do not influence the information process until after the first storage processes. One possible explanation for this retrieval deficit could be a decreased ability to develop or use a retrieval strategy which complies with the storage strategy developed. Furthermore, both substances affected mood. In addition, lorazepam led to significant impairment of concentration. This impairment of concentration is perhaps the reason why lorazepam impairs the information process to a greater extent than clobazam.