Journal of psychopharmacology
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J. Psychopharmacol. (Oxford) · Dec 2003
Comparative StudyPatterns of drug use and the influence of gender on self-reports of memory ability in ecstasy users: a web-based study.
Research indicates that the use of recreational drugs, including MDMA ('ecstasy') can result in impairments in cognitive functioning. Recent evidence, based on accounts of 'on drug' effects and cortical binding ratios suggests that women may be more susceptible to the effects of MDMA; however, no research has explored whether there are differences in the long-term behavioural sequelae of the drug between men and women. In addition, little is known about the profile of functioning of the 'typical' user. ⋯ Individuals reporting average levels of use of ecstasy are more likely to report memory problems than non-ecstasy drug users or drug free individuals. The deleterious effects of ecstasy are therefore not restricted to heavy or chronic users. No gender differences were detected, suggesting that there may be a dissociation between cognitive impairment and cortical binding worthy of further exploration.
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J. Psychopharmacol. (Oxford) · Dec 2003
Comparative StudyInvolvement of dopamine receptors of the dorsal hippocampus on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced place preference in rats.
In the present study, the effects of bilateral intrahippocampal CA1 injections of dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced place preference were examined in male Wistar rats. Subcutaneous administration of different doses of morphine sulphate (0.5-10 mg/kg) produced a conditioned place preference (CPP) dose-dependently. Using a 3-day schedule of conditioning, it was found that dopamine D1 receptor agonist, SKF 38393 (0.01-1 microg/rat), dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, SCH 23390 (0.25-1 microg/rat), dopamine D(2/3) receptor agonist, quinpirole (0.3-3 microg/rat) or dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, sulpiride (0.04-5 microg/rat) did not produce significant place preference. ⋯ SKF 38393, SCH 23390 or sulpiride, but not quinpirole when used before testing, reduced the expression of morphine-induced place preference. Sulpiride, but not other drugs, increased locomotion when used before testing. It is concluded that dorsal hippocampal dopamine receptors may play an active role in morphine reward.
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J. Psychopharmacol. (Oxford) · Jun 2003
Clinical TrialEffects of gabapentin on anxiety induced by simulated public speaking.
The effects of gabapentin, 400 mg and 800 mg, on anxiety induced by simulated public speaking (SPS) were investigated. Thirty-two normal male volunteers (aged 17-30 years) had their anxiety and mood evaluated by self-scales [Visual Analogue Mood Scale (VAMS) and Profile of Mood State (POMS)] during the SPS procedure. ⋯ In addition, volunteers that received gabapentin at 400 mg and 800 mg showed a decrease in the hostility score in POMS. Our results suggest, in agreement with other studies, an anxiolytic potential to gabapentin.
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J. Psychopharmacol. (Oxford) · Sep 2002
Fluoxetine treatment of depressed patients with comorbid anxiety disorders.
Major depression with comorbid anxiety disorder is associated with poor antidepressant outcome compared to major depression without comorbid anxiety disorder. The purpose of our study was to assess changes in severity of both depressive and anxiety symptoms in outpatients with major depression with comorbid anxiety disorder following fluoxetine treatment. We enrolled 123 outpatients (mean age 38.9 +/- 10.8 years; 49% women) with major depressive disorder accompanied by one or more current comorbid anxiety disorders in our study. ⋯ Of the 41 patients on whom endpoint Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R modules for anxiety disorders were available, 49% (n = 20) no longer met criteria for one or more of their anxiety disorder diagnoses at endpoint. Our preliminary findings suggest that fluoxetine is effective in treating outpatients with major depression with comorbid anxiety disorders, with a significant effect on both depression and anxiety symptoms. Further double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are required in larger samples to confirm our findings.