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Active and Passive Avoidance Learning in Controls and Schizophrenic Patients on Racemic Propranolol and Neuroleptics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

John Gruzelier ,
Susan Thornton ,
David Staniforth ,
Saniha Zaki  and
Neil Yorkston
John Gruzelier
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Charing Cross Hospital Medical School, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF The Neuropsychology Research Unit, Friern Hospital and University College Hospital Medical School
Susan Thornton
Affiliation:
The Neuropsychology Research Unit, Friern Hospital and University College Hospital Medical School
David Staniforth
Affiliation:
The Neuropsychology Research Unit, Friern Hospital and University College Hospital Medical School
Saniha Zaki
Affiliation:
Friern Hospital, London, N18
Neil Yorkston
Affiliation:
Bethlem Royal and Maudsley Hospitals, London SE5
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Summary

Normal controls and schizophrenic patients on propranolol as sole drug or combined with neuroleptics showed superior active and passive avoidance learning to schizophrenic patients who were medicated with conventional neuroleptics only. Active avoidance involved responding quickly, passive avoidance withholding a response to avoid an unpleasant noise and reacting to the appropriate stimulus. This may reflect an improvement brought about by propranolol in the limbic regulation of stimulus and response processes.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 137 , Issue 2 , August 1980 , pp. 131 - 137
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1980 

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