Field dependence in patients with exclusive abuse of hypnotics or sedatives.

A group of 47 patients exclusively abusing sedatives-hypnotics (not alcohol or hard drugs) has been studied with regard to field dependence as assessed by a rod-and-frame test. In comparison to a pairwise matched control group from the general population these sedative-hypnotic abusers were not more field dependent, even though they in a previous study were shown to have a higher incidence of intellectual impairment.