coping with stress: drug therapy

Question 1

Explain Benzodiazepines (BZ)

Answer 1

• they are able to lessen anxiety by reducing physiological arousal
• during synaptic transmission GABA combines with GABA-A on post-synaptic neurone= reducing activity in post synaptic neurone
• BZ’s work by enhancing natural inhibition so there is less neural activity in the brain= reduces anxiety

Question 2

evaluate effectiveness of BZ?

Answer 2

• STRENGTH
• using double blind placebo controlled trials
• half take placebo and helf don’t as it is said that if you believe you are taking a drug there can still be beneficial effects
• in addition neither researcher or pp’s no who takes placebo
• BZ’s are significantly more effective than placebo in reducing acute stress
• some BZ’s r more effective than others

Question 3

explain Beta Blockers?

Answer 3

• reduce sympathetic arousal
• they block beta-adrenergic receptors being stimulated by adrenaline/noradrenaline =eg. reduces heart rate
• reduce anxiety without altering consciousness
• ideal for people who want to eliminate symptoms and remain alert

Question 4

evaluate weakness of BZ?

Answer 4

-may not be a first choice drug as they are highly addictive

Question 5

evaluate effectiveness of Beta Blockers?

Answer 5

• STRENGTH
• more effective in treating everyday anxiety
• as sufferers are aware of their physiological arousal e.g.. incased heart rate and that makes them more nervous
• Beta Blockers reduce this arousal and prevents further anxiety developing
• usefull for physical symptoms of stress

Question 6

evaluate side effects of BZ’s?

Answer 6

• WEAKNESS
• drowsiness and weight gain
• also criminal behaviour e.g.. shoplifting
• side effects may mean pp stop taking drugs and stress returns, better therapies may be SIT

Question 7

Evaluate side effects of Beta Blockers?

Answer 7

• WEAKNESS
• can reduce heart rate too much
• not suitable for pp’s with diabetes
• side effects may mean pp stop taking drugs and stress returns, better therapies may be SIT