biological - stress treatments

Question 1

what do bz treat?

Answer 1

anxiety caused by over excitation in the nervous system

anti-anxiety drugs treat social phobias, PTSD,GAD, stress-related anxiety disorders

Question 2

how do Bz work?

Answer 2

example- librium /valium
mimic the gaba effect (make it less likely that a neurone will fire, by binding to a gaba receptor in the brain)
allowing more chloride ions to enter the neutron
this inhibits the activity of neurotransmitters
thus reducing anxiety and stress

Question 3

beta blockers treat?

Answer 3

stress realted illness likelihood like CHD due to increased blood pressure and heart rate.

Question 4

how do BBs work?

Answer 4

INDERAL(eg) reduce acitivty in sympathetic nervous system
reudces activity of adrenaline and noradrenaline
bbs bind to beta-adrenergic receptors preventing stimulation and arousal
slows heart beat and blood pressure
this reduces stress

Question 5

side effects of BZs

Answer 5

drowsiness effect episodic memory

Question 6

side effects of BBs

Answer 6

less- but narrow airways so asthma more problematic

Question 7

CBT (stress inoculation therapy) developed by

Answer 7

meichenbaum

Question 8

aims

Answer 8

to increase ability to cope with future stressors by inoculating one against stress by increasing ones’ resilience

Question 9

what are the three elements and what do hey involve?

Answer 9

conceptualisation (cognitive element)- discuss and categorise stressors their main features and possible ways of coping with them
Skill training and practice- taught relaxation techniques and social skills e.g. eye contact, conversational skills and posture
practiced in role play and other ‘safe’ situations e.g. mock exams
real-life application - real world trying out, contact with therapist maintained with follow up sessions
successful application is reinforcing - shows the patient that they can mange stressful situations.

Question 10

evaluate cognitive behavioural therapy(SIT)

Answer 10

meichenbaum experimental trial.
SITvs systematic desensitisation vs control
anxious pre-exam students
SIT group performed bettie in exams and gave self-reports of lower stress

Question 11

further evaluation of CBT (SIT)

Answer 11

saunders et al meta analysis 37 studs 2000 pps

SIT was an effective messed fro reducing performance anxiety and enhancing performing under stress

Question 12

effectiveness

Answer 12

combination of cog and behav techniques dressing all aspects of problem

Question 13

appropriateness

Answer 13

requrie large changes in peronality (genes maybe)
practical problems- money time commitment not instant results, impatience, dosage increase overtime to receive same effect