Abstract
Clinically and theoretically, a tranquilizer should be more effective under stress than under non stress conditions. By transformation into a statistical non additivity equivalent, a 2×3 factorial design was derived with a drug factor (Cloxazolam as a tranquilizer) and a social stress factor. The results in healthy young subjects show a significant drug-x-stress interaction, indicating the non additivity of both treatments. Psychological interpretations, according to Yerkes-Dodson law, and therapeutic and experimental conclusions are added.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Benkert, O., Hippius, H.: Psychiatrische Pharmakotherapie. Berlin: Springer 1974
Berger, F. M., Potterfield, J.: The effect of antianxiety tranquilizer on the behavior of normal persons. In: The psychopharmacology of normal human. W. O.Evans, N. S. Kline, eds., pp. 38–113. Springfield: Thomas 1969
Greenberg, J., Altman, J. L., Cole, J. O.: Combination of drugs with behavior therapy. In: Drugs in combination with other therapies, M. Greenblatt, ed., pp. 89–112. New York: Grune and Stratton 1975
Janke, W., Debus, G.: Experimental studies on antianxiety agents with normal subjects: Metodological considerations and review of the main effects. In: Psychopharmacology: A Review of Progress 1957–1967, D. H. Efron, J. O. Cole, J. Levine, J. R. Wittenborn, eds., pp. 205–230. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office 1969
Kohnen, R., Lienert, G. A.: Pharmakopsychologie versus Psychopharmakologie. Ein Experiment zur Prävention von Stresswirkungen durch Tranquilizer. In: Erkennen — Wollen —Handeln, L. Tent, ed., pp. 182–192. Göttingen: Hogrefe 1979
Linden, M., Manns, M.: Psychopharmakologie für Psychologen. Salzburg: Müller 1977
Saletu, B., Matejcek, M., Knor, K., Ferner, U., Schneewind, U.: Assessing the psychoactivity of Cloxazolam (MT 14-411) by quantitative EEG and psychological studies. Curr. Ther. Res. 20, 510–528 (1976)
Uhlenhut, E. H., Lipman, R. S., Cove, L.: Combined pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. J. Nerv. Ment. Dis. 148, 52–64 (1969)
Yerkes, R. M., Dodson, J. D.: The relation of strength of stimulus to rapidity of habit formation. J. Comp. Neurol. Psychol. 18, 458–482 (1908)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kohnen, R., Lienert, G.A. Defining tranquilizers operationally by non additive effect in experimental stress situations. Psychopharmacology 68, 291–294 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00428118
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00428118