Effects of Psychopharmacologic Drugs upon Sensory Inflow in Normal Subjects, Psychiatric Patients and in Animals
Abstract
The objectives of the research were: (1) To establish changes observed in sensory evoked potential in normal subjects by barbiturates, lysergic acid, other psychotropic drugs in different attentional levels and during habituation and conditioning. (2) To determine the changes evoked in psychotic patients, especially schizophrenics. (3) To observe the effect of these drugs on attention, habituation, and conditioning in rat, guinea pig, and cat. In the first year a beginning was made on objectives 1 and 2 adding sensory information on comatose and stuporous patients. The CAT computer system was modified to automate recording procedures allowing accumulation for present time, readout, erase and reset without operator action. Study of drug action was begun with LSD-25 on visual sensory inflow. Results: (1) Multiplication of waves, particularly first components, (2) Increase in amplitude, particularly last components. Experiments with drugs on neurotic and psychotic patients are not yet definitive. Changes of VER in coma pattern of response are similar to that of newborn infant; in stuporous subject changes were observed indicative of change in level of awareness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0623631
Entities
People
- Elio G. Austt
Organizations
- University of the Republic