Abstract
This study examined some of the existing gaps within the literature on the neurological effect of Vyvanse on anxiety and spatial learning and memory in adolescents, further contributing to our understanding of the effects of amphetamine-based stimulant drugs on the adolescent brain. The specific aims of this study were directed at identifying the effect of short-term and slightly longer-term Vyvanse and exercise treatment length on learning and memory and anxiety levels in the normal adolescent brain. Animals were randomly distributed to five treatment groups: short-term exercise (16 days), long-term exercise (20 days), short-term Vyvanse (7 days), long-term Vyvanse (14 days), and controls. All groups were tested in the water radial arm maze for eight days and in the open field task on experimental days zero, seven, and twenty. Results of the water radial arm maze trials revealed no significant differences between the groups with respect to learning and memory. Open field results revealed a marginally significant difference in the anxiety levels between the LDX group and controls, with the LDX group showing higher levels of anxiety. Overall these results indicate that LDX and exercise do not have any effect on learning and memory performance, but LDX may be linked to higher anxiety levels.
Advisor
Stavnezer, Amy Jo
Department
Neuroscience
Recommended Citation
Kill, Colleen M., "An Investigation on the Effect of Long-term and Short-term Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate and Acute Exercise Treatment on Spatial Learning and Memory and Anxiety Levels in Adolescent Rats" (2015). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 6690.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/6690
Disciplines
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms | Biological Psychology | Medical Pharmacology | Neurosciences | Other Psychiatry and Psychology
Keywords
Stimulants, Learning and Memory, Anxiety levels, ADHD
Publication Date
2015
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2015 Colleen M. Kill