Plasma Catecholamine and Performance Associations During Psychological Stress: Evidence for Peripheral Noradrenergic Involvement With an Attention-Demanding Task

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the associations between plasma catecholaminc (CA) response and selected performance measures during psychological stress. Nineteen men (between the ages of 35 and 50) performed a double-conflict (DC) task for 12 min. Self-reported distress resulting from the stress protocol was assessed using the Profile of Mood States and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Performance of the DC task was measured by total reaction time (TRT). Cognitive aftereffects were assessed by the time it took to complete three sets of anagrams administered immediately after the DC task. Plasma CA measures were taken at three intervals during the rest period and the DC task. The stress protocol resulted in increased self-reported tension, p ≤ 0.01; confusion, p ≤ 0.01; and anxiety, p ≤ 0.01; with reduced vigor, p less than or equal to 0.01. The men displayed improved TRT, p less than or equal to 0.01, during the DC task, and they had significantly extended performance time, p less than or equal to 0.01, on anagram Set 1 compared to Sets 2 and 3. Although both plasma norepinephrine (NE) and plasma epinephrine (E) increased, only E achieved statistical significance, p less than or equal to 0.05. The only significant correlation between plasma CA and performance occurred with NE and anagram Set 1, p less than or equal to 0.05. The findings arc discussed in terms of a postulated link between circulating NE and cognitive effects of stress.