Coping With Stress- Drug Therapy

Question 1

What are drugs used for and what are the two main types?

Answer 1

To manage the symptoms of stress on the body.
BZs (benzodiazepines)
Beta-blockers (BBs)

Question 2

What do BZs do

Answer 2

They slow down the activity of the CNS by increasing the activity of GABA that naturally calms the nervous system, so the brain feels calmer and less aroused by stressful stimuli.

Also, reduce activity of serotonin which causes arousal and therefore reduces anxiety and stress.

Question 3

Research into BZs

Answer 3

Kahn-
Followed 250 patients over eight weeks gave half BZs and half placebo
- found that BZ’s were significantly superior to a placebo.

Question 4

Evaluation of BZs

Answer 4

✅cost effective, less commitment, less time consuming
✅supporting research
❌only short term treatment as they can be addictive and brain can build up a tolerance making them less effective.
❌ Side-effects of BZs include aggressiveness and memory problems.

Question 5

What do beta blockers do

Answer 5

Reduce the activity of adrenaline and noradrenaline
These hormones are responsible for triggering the fight or flight response
Therefore prevents the heart from being stimulated = reduce HR so blood isn’t pumped as hard = reduced blood pressure = less anxiety and stress

Question 6

Research support of beta blockers

Answer 6

2,000 musicians
27% reported taking BBs.
The musicians who had taken BBs felt better about their performance.

Question 7

Evaluation of beta blockers

Answer 7

✅- Effective in reducing anxiety and stress as shown in supporting research
✅work quickly, less time consuming and less expensive
❌only a short term solution - only treats symptoms not cause stress will come back when you stop taking the drugs.
❌side effects eg linked w diabetes