An effect of triazolam on visual attention and information processing.
This study explored whether benzodiazepines selectively affect aspects of attention and/or visual information processing, as they do memory. A cued visual-search paradigm was employed, using normal volunteers and a single dose of triazolam. This paradigm provided for a detailed examination of two aspects of visual attention and information processing: 1) controlled versus automatic attention allocation (via central and peripheral cues), and 2) the extent to which processing an item in a non-cued location affects performance (via cue-validity). Triazolam, compared to placebo, significantly increased response time, and Drug Condition interacted with Cue-Validity but not Cue-Type. Based on these data, we argue that triazolam does not affect attention allocation but does affect attentional disengagement and/or attention switching mechanisms.
Johnson
D N
DN
Section of Cognitive Neurosciences, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
Weingartner
H J
HJ
Andreason
P
P
George
D T
DT
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D015990:Placebo Effect; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects; D014229:Triazolam / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000187:drug effects*
D014229:Triazolam