Bi-directional and multi-modal effects of dexamphetamine on spatial binding windows in healthy individuals

Mark J.H. Lim, Sean J. Loffman, Katharina Gaus, Sophie V. Slawik, Rajan Iyyalol, Joseph W.Y. Lee, Emily K. Hepple, Mathew T. Martin-Iverson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: Stimuli that are separated by a short window of space or time, known as spatial and temporal binding windows (SBW/TBWs), may be perceived as separate. Widened TBWs are evidenced in schizophrenia, although it is unclear if the SBW is similarly affected. The current study aimed to assess if dexamphetamine (DEX) may increase SBWs in a multimodal visuo-tactile illusion, potentially validating usefulness as an experimental model for multimodal visuo-tactile hallucinations in schizophrenia, and to examine a possible association between altered binding windows (BWs) and working memory (WM) suggested by previous research. Methods: A placebo-controlled, double-blinded, and counter-balanced crossover design was employed. Permuted block randomisation was used for drug order. Healthy participants received DEX (0.45 mg/kg, PO, b.i.d.) or placebo (glucose powder) in capsules. The Rubber Hand Illusion (RHI) and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Spatial Span was employed to determine whether DEX would alter SBWs and WM, respectively. Schizotypy was assessed with a variety of psychological scales. Results: Most participants did not experience the RHI even under normal circumstances. Bi-directional and multimodal effects of DEX on individual SBWs and schizotypy were observed, but not on WM. Conclusions: Bidirectional multimodal effects of DEX on the RHI and SBWs were observed in individuals, although not associated with alterations in WM.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages16
JournalHuman Psychopharmacology
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 12 Jul 2024

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