Retrograde facilitation of memory by triazolam: effects on automatic processes

Rationale: Retrieval processes have been implicated as a potential mechanis m by which benzodiazepines can produce retrograde memory facilitation. Obje ctives: This study tested the degree to which benzodiazepine-induced retrog rade facilitation of memory was due to an enhancement of automatic retrieva l processes. Methods: Forty healthy adults were randomly assigned to one of three dose conditions (double-blind), under which they received 0.0 mg (pl acebo), 0.125 mg, or 0.25 mg of the short-acting, benzodiazepine triazolam (Halcion). Subjects studied a list of words just prior to dose administrati on. One hour after dose administration, subjects performed a word-stem comp letion task which tested their retrieval of the studied words. A process-di ssociation procedure was used to estimate the degree to which retrieval was under the influence of memory processes that were automatic (i.e., uninten tional) versus controlled (i.e., intentional). Results: Subjects who receiv ed active doses of triazolam displayed a greater probability of using studi ed words as stem completions. Estimates of memory processes showed a greate r influence of automatic influences during memory retrieval under triazolam doses. Conclusions: The findings indicate that retrograde memory facilitat ion following benzodiazepine administration does not necessarily reflect an improved ability to intentionally retrieve information but could instead r eflect increased responsiveness to cues that automatically elicit retrieval of pre-drug information.