the effects of nadolol and diazepam on performance anxiety

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The Effects of Nadolol and Diazepam on Performance Anxiety Nadolol may benefit some musicians 31 music students were administered nadolol 40mg, diazepam 2mg, or placebo to study the effects of these drugs on the musicians' anxiety and the quality of their performance. All subjects played stringed instruments. This double-blind trial used a double-dummy technique. The variables monitored were classified under preperformance assessments, post performance assessments and assessor scores. Preperformance assessments included observer ratings, self-rating of physical symptoms, self-rating of mood scales and pulse and blood pressure readings. The assessors score took into account bow control, left-hand technique, left- and right-hand coordination, intonation, tempo, rhythm and dynamics. The subjects were asked to rate themselves on a number of variables after the recital. With nadolol the subjects were noticeably paler and had significantly lower pulse rates than those taking placebo. Further, nadolol subjects showed significantly higher bow scores from the assessors and better self- assessment scores for bow shake and dynamic control. The diazepam group showed no significant results for any of these variables. Intonation tempo and rhythm tended to decrease after administration of diazepam and consequently the authors advised caution in its use as a preperformance antianxiety drug. However, the /3-blocker nadolol did have a beneficial effect on bowing and could be useful in relieving anxiety prior to an important performance. I James. I. and Savage, I.: American Heart Journal 108: 1150 (Oct 1984) 8 INPHARMA® 20 Oct 1984 0156-2703/84/1020-0008/0$01.00/0 @ ADIS Press

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Page 1: The Effects of Nadolol and Diazepam on Performance Anxiety

The Effects of Nadolol and Diazepam on Performance Anxiety Nadolol may benefit some musicians

31 music students were administered nadolol 40mg, diazepam 2mg, or placebo to study the effects of these drugs on the musicians' anxiety and the quality of their performance. All subjects played stringed instruments. This double-blind trial used a double-dummy technique. The variables monitored were classified under preperformance assessments, post performance assessments and assessor scores. Preperformance assessments included observer ratings, self-rating of physical symptoms, self-rating of mood scales and pulse and blood pressure readings. The assessors score took into account bow control, left-hand technique, left­and right-hand coordination, intonation, tempo, rhythm and dynamics. The subjects were asked to rate themselves on a number of variables after the recital.

With nadolol the subjects were noticeably paler and had significantly lower pulse rates than those taking placebo. Further, nadolol subjects showed significantly higher bow scores from the assessors and better self­assessment scores for bow shake and dynamic control. The diazepam group showed no significant results for any of these variables. Intonation tempo and rhythm tended to decrease after administration of diazepam and consequently the authors advised caution in its use as a preperformance antianxiety drug. However, the /3-blocker nadolol did have a beneficial effect on bowing and could be useful in relieving anxiety prior to an important performance. I

James. I. and Savage, I.: American Heart Journal 108: 1150 (Oct 1984)

8 INPHARMA® 20 Oct 1984 0156-2703/84/1020-0008/0$01.00/0 @ ADIS Press