Eyelid conditional discrimination learning (ECDL) is a test of discriminative aversive conditioning. It places minimal demands on motivation and was shown to selectively test temporal lobe function. Twenty-five unmedicated social phobia (SP) patients (mean age 29.5 ± 7.0 years), diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria, and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC, mean age 34.0 ± 8.6 years) were examined with an ECDL paradigm. In the experiment two differently colored stimuli are randomly presented. Only one of the stimuli (reinforced trial) is followed by an aversive airpuff to the cornea, as opposed to unreinforced trials not followed by an airpuff. Conditioned responses (CRs) consist of reflex eyelid closures already upon light presentation. HC as well as SP patients showed a significant difference between reinforced and unreinforced trials. In SP patients, CR frequency did not increase during the ECDL task, while HCs showed appropriate conditional discrimination ability. Thus the results indicate an impairment of adequate behavior modification in an aversive conditioning task in SP.

Keywords:
Social phobia, Discrimination learning, Eyelid conditioning
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel
2003
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.