EFFECT OF BROMAZEPAM VERSUS PLACEBO ON INHIBITION AND WAITING CAPACITY IN YOUNG-WOMEN WITH TRAITS OF ANXIETY

The effect of 3 dosages of bromazepam administered as single oral dose s (1.5, 3 and 6 mg) on anxious inhibition phenomena was studied in a p opulation of 16 young women (18-30 years) with anxiety-traits, selecte d on the criteria of Cattell's anxiety scale supported by two personal ity inventory (Eysenck's, MMPI). A double-blind, placebo study design was chosen. The main assessment criteria were based on the go/no-go te st (Logan's procedure), slow response rate (SRR) and a task of forced or unforced decision (use of the CFF). Attentional processes and decla rative memory were analyzed as secondary criteria. None of the three d osages modified inhibition or acting-out. Sustained attention was redu ced with 1.5 mg and 6 mg, as was memory performance with 3 and 6 mg, 3 .5 h after drug administration. In contradistinction with studies carr ied out in healthy volunteers or with other benzodiazepine compounds, bromazepam at single low dosages does not modify inhibition capacity i n these subjects with traits of anxiety, in this particular procedure. (C) 1998 Elsevier, Paris.