Serotonin and human information processing: an electromyographic study of the effects of fluvoxamine on choice reaction time.

摘要

Previous studies have shown that fluvoxamine, an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake, shortens choice reaction time. The present study, was intended to explore this effect by using two complementary approaches: (i) Sternberg's additive factor method, and (ii) the analysis of the electromyographic activity of a prime mover. Eight healthy subjects who received either a single oral dose of fluvoxamine (100 mg) or a placebo participated in a choice reaction time experiment in which imperative signal intensity, stimulus-response mapping, and response repertoire were manipulated. Previous results were replicated. Moreover, it was shown that fluvoxamine shortens the interval between prime mover activation and overt response. This supports the hypothesis proposed in a previous study that fluvoxamine affects motor processes. A possible mechanism of this effect is discussed.