Title:Effects of GHB On Psychomotor and Driving Performance
Volume: 19
Issue: 13
Author(s): Carmela Centola, Arianna Giorgetti, Simona Zaami and Raffaele Giorgetti*
Affiliation:
- Section of Legal Medicine, Universita Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Torrette - Ancona (AN),Italy
Keywords:
GHB, γ-hydroxybutyrate, psychomotor performance, cognitive performance, driving safety, driving skills.
Abstract: Background: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (γ-hydroxybutyrate or GHB) is a physiological compound of
mammalians with specific receptors in central nervous system (CNS). Apart from an endogenous production, GHB is
also an exogenous molecule found in pharmaceutical as well as in illicit formulations. Products manufactured and
spread in these two fields, whose borders are all but strictly defined and traced, differ for the in vivo effects and for
the potential of abuse. Illicit GHB gained public attention due to its use as a sexual assault facilitator. Notwithstanding
its popularity, the effects on human performances, are still not completely understood and could be more complex
than expected. Therefore, there is a real public safety concern regarding psychomotor functions and driving
abilities due to GHB ingestion.
Objective: To provide an updated and complete review on the effects of GHB on psychomotor, cognitive and driving
performance that may be useful for judiciary expert forensic evaluation of driving under the influence of GHB
(GHB-DUI).
Method: Experimental animal-based and human-based studies and case series or epidemiological studies regarding
driving under influence of GHB (and its precursors) were reviewed using main scientific databases.
Results: The effects of GHB on cognitive, psychomotor and driving performance are dose-related in experimental
studies. In real cases of driving under the influence of GHB, severe impairment is observed. In these cases, a wide
range of blood GHB levels are found. Possible long-term effects are also reported.
Conclusion: GHB causes cognitive and psychomotor impairment and risky driving behavior. Multiple aspects and
variables are still waiting clarification, such as the harmful potential of illicit preparations, the effect of precursors
and impairing dosages. GHB (and its precursors) must be considered a substantial personal and public risk even in
the absence of a clear dose-effects correlation.