Diazepam Reinforcement in Anxious Patients

• Published in: Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology Vol. 4; no. 3; pp. 308 - 314
• Main Authors: Roache, John D, Stanley, Melinda A, Creson, Daniel L, Meisch, Richard A, Shah, Nurun N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Psychological Association 01-08-1996
• Subjects: Anxiety Disorders; Diazepam; Drug Therapy; Female; Human
• ISSN: 1064-1297; 1936-2293
• DOI: 10.1037/1064-1297.4.3.308

The reinforcing effects of diazepam were examined in 4 female patients with generalized anxiety disorder but without histories of drug abuse. Under double-blind conditions, patients were given medication capsules containing either 4 mg diazepam or placebo that they could use "as needed" for anxiety. After a 1-week sampling period for each medication, participants repeatedly chose which medication they preferred over the next 4 weeks. Reinforcing effects of diazepam were demonstrated in 3 participants who showed exclusive diazepam preference. The results suggest procedures whereby drug self-medication behavior may be studied in an outpatient environment.