Tranquillizer effects in an experimental analog of group psychotherapy.

In an experimental analog of group psychotherapy situations, the effects of two dosages of a tranquillizing agent (prazepam) are compared with those of placebo treatment. Pulse frequency and psychic strain on 24 healthy young volunteers was measured in different social interactions. Variations of social situations induced great changes both in physiological and in psychological measures. The drug acted differentially as to sex and dosage, but showed no situation-specific action. These and further results indicated that group dynamics are an efficient tool in proving drug effects.