Effect of phenobarbital on self-ratings of healthy subjects in comparison to the objective impairment of their performance
Walther, H.; Meyer, F.P.
Acta Biologica et Medica Germanica 39(8-9): 949-960
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5318 PMID: 7282226 Document Number: 163009
The influence of phenobarbital (1.0, 3.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 mg/kg) on cognitive, psychomotor and reaction performance as well as the subjective self-assessment was studied in healthy volunteers. Threshold doses were determined, at which initiating impairment of the performance was evident, the self-ratings being the most sensitive indicator. Ranking next in terms of sensitivity were cognitive and other performance tests. In connection with the present results the term "hypnotic dose" is critically evaluated. Whether or not a dose produces a hypnotic effect is believed to be primarily governed by the activation level of volunteers of patients. Moreover, the results presented emphasize that a valid assessment of the drug influence on performance is possible only by objective tests and subjective self-ratings to be accomplished simultaneously.