Psychological testing at high altitudes
Nelson, M.
Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine 53(2): 122-126
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0095-6562 PMID: 7059327 Document Number: 187337
Psychological testing was done on 20 human subjects at various altitudes (sea level, 3810 m and 5000 m) during a 35 day mountaineering expedition to Denali (Mt. McKinley [Alaska, USA]). Intellectual functioning and personality changes were studied. While little variation was noted at the lower altitude, at 5000 m there was a marked deterioration in cognitive ability. This was accompanied by a sharp increase in paranoia and obsessive-compulsiveness and smaller increases in depression and hostility.