The New England Journal of Medicine states that lie detector or polygraph tests record the changes in the autonomic nervous system, such as blood pressure, pulse, breathing patterns and perspiration, that occur when the test subject is lying. ~~snip~~
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5766423_drugs-affect-lie-detector-test.html
Function: The autonomic nervous system controls blood pressure, heart and breathing rates, body temperature, digestion, metabolism (thus affecting body weight), the balance of water and electrolytes (such as sodium and calcium), the production of body fluids (saliva, sweat, and tears), urination, defecation, sexual response, and other processes.
A few tidbits/examples one might consider when asked to volunteer for a lie detector test:
Class of drugs that affect the autonomic nervous system (ANS):
...Hypertensive medications - can reduce blood pressure, breathing, perspiration, and pulse.
...Drugs affecting cardiac function and stress levels, such as beta blockers (banned in the Olympics).
...Benzodiazapines
...drugs that impair memory, reasoning, judgment
A couple common drugs that increase heart rate, breathing, perspiration:
...caffeine, nicotine, OTC products, stimulants for weight loss.
...Stimulants of any kind
...Treatments for ADHD, narcolepsy
Unpredictable effects on the ANS:
...Street drugs - contaminants found in street drugs are unpredictable. ...Prescription/OTC abuse plays havoc with the ANS.
...withdrawal of any kind.
...Antidepressants
...anabolic steroids/steroids
...ethanol
Underlying disease states affecting ANS, a couple examples:
...Diabetes - hypo and hyperglycemia
...Hypo and hyperthyroidism
...Hypo and hypertension
...Hormone fluctuations (menopause, testicular problems)
...Anxiety and nervous disorders
...Disorders affecting judgment, reasoning, memory
**please know the above lists of disease states/medications are far from complete. Variables in medication/disease states are far reaching.
Variables relating to subject and examiner:
...Subject comfort level in socializing
...Subject repore with examiner
...Subject stress in taking polygraph (real or perceived)
...Training and experience of polygraph examiner
...Polygrapher knowledge of test design and test interpretation
...Polygrapher knowledge of interpreting psychological nuances
...Polygrapher interviewing skills
I found the educational requirements varied between programs and states. Most programs did require a couple courses in psychology, a course or two in physiology, maybe a course in disease states, but not a single program, that I could find, required a course in pharmacology.
Education, Training and Work Experience:
Many states require licensure or certification for polygraph examiners, which may include formal training and/or a supervised training period. Some employers may ask that you have experience in interviewing or interrogation, or prior experience administering and analyzing polygraph tests. ~~snip~~
http://www.edudecisions.com/articles/criminal-justice-careers/jobs/polygraph-examiner.php
With the above in mind, I ask: Why would anyone allow a polygrapher and a machine to play a role in determining guilt/innocence, present/future reputation?
**A video showing polygraphers who believe and don't believe - display of countermeasures. Medications aren't considered in this video.
**[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLL3wtgBiFA[/ame]
More info on the autonomic nervous system
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec06/ch098666/ch098666a.html
