1.1.2 DT Anti Anxiety Drugs (Bi)

Question 1

Give examples of anxiety disorders:

Answer 1

• phobias
• obsessive compulsive disorder
• generalised anxiety disorders
• post-traumatic stress disorder

Question 2

What does an an anxiety disorder involve?

Answer 2

Continued worry of fear that worsens over time

Question 3

What drugs can be used to treat anxiety disorders?

Answer 3

• benzodiazepines

* beta blockers

Question 4

What is a benzodiazepine and when is it used?

Answer 4

It is a type of sedative sometimes used by severe periods of anxiety as they help ease symptoms within 30-90 minutes of taking the drugs

Question 5

How do benzodiazepines work?

Answer 5

enhancing the action of the neurotransmitter GABA, found in high concentrations in the cortex and limbic system.
GABA reduces the excitability of neurons thus having a calming effect on the human brain

Question 6

What are the side effects of benzodiazepines?

Answer 6

• sleepiness
• problems with memory
• problems with concentration
• headaches
• tremors

Question 7

What is the main issue of benzodiazepines?

Answer 7

They are highly addictive and as a result can’t be used for more than four weeks at a time

Question 8

What is a beta blocker, what does it do and when is it used?

Answer 8

• a drug used to decrease the activity of the heart by blocking the action of hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline
• commonly used to treat heart conditions
• also used to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety

Question 9

What are the physical symptoms of anxiety beta blockers treat?

Answer 9

• shaking
• trembling
• blushing
• heartbeat

Question 10

What do beta blockers block?

Answer 10

The release of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline in some areas of the body

Question 11

What does using beta blockers result in?

Answer 11

Decease in heart rate and blood pressure

Question 12

What are the common side effects of beta blockers?

Answer 12

• dizziness
• tiredness
• blurred vision
• cold hands and feet

Question 13

What are the less common side effects of beta blockers?

Answer 13

• insomnia

* depression

Question 14

What did Kahn et al study?

Answer 14

The effectiveness of benzodiazepines in comparison to a placebo group

Question 15

How did Kahn et al carry out the research?

Answer 15

• scientific manner (no researcher bias)
• followed 250 patients over 8 weeks
• 2 groups (placebo) and (BZ)

Question 16

What did Kahn et al find?

Answer 16

• BZs were significantly superior to placebos in the treatment of anxiety disorders