Anxiety and Anxiolytics Flashcards
What is anxiety? Is it normal?
A normal, physiological response to threatening situations that serves a protective function.
What causes anxiety disorders?
a combination of genetic and environmental factors (e.g maternal interaction)
What are the physiological symptoms of anxiety?
Racing heart Restlessness Palpitations Increased BP Dry mouth
Anxiety is due to the activation of what?
Autonomic nervous system (Fight or Flight)
The stress response causes…
Avoidance
Increased vigilance and arousal
Activation of the Sympathetic NS
Release of Cortisol (from the adrenal glands)
The hypothalamic pituitary axis plays a role in what?
Maintaining Stress/ Responsiveness
The hypothalamus does what?
Responds to sensory input to adjust the balance of sympathetic/parasympathetic output
The amygdala does what?
Regulates the hypothalamus and other brain regions
What is the structure of benzodiazepines?
Benzene ring core joined to a 7-membered 1,4 diazepine ring
Difference between benzodiazepine agonists, reverse agonists and antagonists?
Agonist - 100% Positive intrinsic efficacy
Reverse agonist - Negative intrinsic efficacy
Antagonist - 0 intrinsic efficacy
What are the common side effects of benzodiazepines?
Memory loss
Sedation
Abuse potention/Addictive
Withdrawal syndrome
Two common examples of benzodiazepines are?
Xanax (alprazolam) and Ativan (lorazepam)
