Go-no-go performance in pathological gamblers.
Previous neuropsychological studies demonstrated various deficits of impulse control in pathological gamblers (PGs). However, there are limited data available on response-inhibition impairment among PGs. The present study attempted to assess response inhibition in untreated PGs (N=83), in comparison with normal subjects (N=84). Go/no-go and target-detection conditions of a computerized task were used as a measure of response-inhibition ability. A repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA-RM) was used with response time, variability of response time, and number of false alarms and misses as dependent measures; group (PG and controls) as the between-subjects measure; condition (target detection or go/no-go) and time slice (first and second in each condition) as repeated measures within-subject factors; and educational level as a covariate. Our results showed that PGs were significantly more impaired in both target detection and go/no-go task performance than controls. The PGs had significantly more false alarms and misses than controls, and they were slower and less consistent in their responses.
Kertzman
Semion
S
The Rehovot Community Mental Health & Rehabilitation Clinic affiliated to Beer-Ya'akov-Ness Ziona Medical Complex, Israel.
Lowengrub
Katherine
K
Aizer
Anat
A
Vainder
Michael
M
Kotler
Moshe
M
Dannon
Pinhas N
PN
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011930:Reaction Time