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Lorazepam and diazepam differently impair divided attention
K M Jalava1, M J Mattila, M Tarssanen
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Ethanol and high-dose diazepam impair divided attention, particularly on lateral screens. Lower-dose diazepam affected concentrated attention, while both substances impacted performance differently based on task complexity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Divided attention is crucial for daily functioning.
- Ethanol and benzodiazepines are commonly used substances with known cognitive effects.
- Understanding their specific impacts on attention is important for safety and clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of ethanol and diazepam on divided and concentrated attention in healthy young adults.
- To compare the dose-dependent effects of diazepam on cognitive performance.
- To assess the influence of task complexity (presence or absence of aural stimuli) on substance-induced attention deficits.
Main Methods:
- Two placebo-controlled crossover studies were conducted with healthy young subjects.
- A divided attention task involved monitoring four parallel computer screens with dynamic obstacles and responding to visual and aural stimuli.
- Concentrated attention was assessed using the Symbol Digit Substitution Test (SDST) and Digit Copying Test (DDCT).
Main Results:
- Ethanol (EtOH) impaired divided attention on lateral screens, especially with complex "special" obstacles.
- Diazepam (DZ) 15 mg did not affect divided attention but impaired concentrated attention (SDST).
- Diazepam 30 mg impaired divided attention on lateral screens, reduced responses to aural stimuli, and significantly impaired both SDST and DDCT, causing sedation.
Conclusions:
- Ethanol and higher doses of diazepam significantly impair divided attention, with effects varying by task complexity.
- Diazepam exhibits dose-dependent effects on attention, impacting concentrated attention at lower doses and both divided and concentrated attention at higher doses.
- These findings highlight the cognitive risks associated with ethanol and benzodiazepine use, particularly in tasks requiring sustained and divided attention.