Delayed extinction of executive sets associated with decreased cholinergic function: a mechanism of perseverative and intrusive behavior.
Perseverative and intrusive behavior were studied in three psychiatric patients with toxic dementia associated with anticholinergic drugs. A mechanism was proposed attributing these behaviors to the delayed extinction (residual activation) of prior executive sets (or schema) in the context of sets containing nondissociated operations. Reutilization of these operations appeared to trigger the nonextinguished set back into executive status. It was hypothesized that set perseveration and intrusion reflect a defect in the set-scheduling process induced by loss of cholinergic function.
Galdi
J A
JA
Comprehensive Neuropsychology Services, Wausau, WI 54401.
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D002799:Cholinergic Fibers / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005108:Extinction, Psychological / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010276:Parasympatholytics / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D014705:Verbal Behavior / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010276:Parasympatholytics; D011950:Receptors, Cholinergic