Effects of Long-Term Consumption of Anxiolytics, Antidepressants, and Hypnotics on Working Memory

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of anxiolytics, antidepressants, and hypnotics on working memory in individuals who use these drugs to alleviate minor symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia, respectively, but who are not affected by any major disease. METHODS: In a sample of 1656 participants between the ages of 21 and 80 years, 87 had exclusively taken anxiolytics, 88 had taken only antidepressants, and 36 had taken only hypnotics but had not taken them for at least six months. These groups were compared with individuals who had never taken any of these medications and were matched by sex, age, and years of education. Working memory was examined in the spatial and verbal domains at two levels of difficulty. RESULTS: Spatial working memory performance was observed to be lower in anxiolytic and antidepressant users compared with nonusers. In addition, we observed that longer and more frequent uses of anxiolytics, antidepressants, and hypnotics resulted in worsened spatial working memory. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of these drugs on spatial working memory occur across all ages in the adult lifespan. Spatial working memory is crucial for performing numerous everyday activities and preserving autonomy.