Are attention lapses related to d-amphetamine liking?
BACKGROUND
A rich literature suggests that both impulsiveness and drug-induced euphoria are risk factors for drug abuse. However, few studies have examined whether sensitivity to the euphoric effects of stimulants is related to attention lapses, a behavioral measure of inattention sometimes associated with impulsivity.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to examine ratings of d-amphetamine drug liking among individuals with high, moderate, and low attention lapses.


METHODS
Ninety-nine healthy volunteers were divided into three equal-sized groups based on their performance on a measure of lapses of attention. The groups, who exhibited low, medium, and high attention lapses (i.e., long reaction times) on a simple reaction time task, were compared on their subjective responses (i.e., ratings of liking and wanting more drug) after acute doses of d-amphetamine (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg).


RESULTS
Subjects who exhibited high lapses liked 20 mg d-amphetamine less than subjects who exhibited low lapses. These subjects also tended to report smaller increases in "wanting more drug" after d-amphetamine.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that participants who exhibit impaired attention may be less sensitive to stimulant-induced euphoria.
McCloskey
Michael
M
Department of Psychology, Temple University, 1701 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA. mikemccloskey@temple.edu
Palmer
Abraham A
AA
de Wit
Harriet
H
D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D003913:Dextroamphetamine