Lecture 11 Flashcards
What are benzodiazepines?
- The most frequently prescribed psychotropic (affect the mind, emotions, and behavior.) medications in the U.S.
- In 2019, an estimated 92 million benzodiazepine prescriptions were dispensed from U.S. pharmacies.
- Approximately 1 in every 25 adults was prescribed a benzo in 2021.
- CNS depressant w/sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic effects
- FDA indications include anxiety disorders including panic disorders with or without agoraphobia
Why are there so many benzodiazepines?
COVID-19 has cleared the arena for America’s druggiest era, as the twin wrecking balls of economic devastation and psychic trauma leave a crater of suffering — and drugs come to fill the void. Welcome to the dissociation generation, baby! In this dawning new age, doctors prescribe party drugs, politicians push weed legalization as historic budget deficits loom, and everyone is tripping balls in the name of self-care.
Are you benzodiazepines used generalized anxiety disorders?
- Also used for their anticonvulsant effects and
alcohol withdrawal. - Amnesic effects- Surgical procedures
What is a ‘panic attack’?
Abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes, during which time four or more of the following symptoms occur:
- Palpitations, pounding or accelerated heart
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling of choking
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Chills or heat sensation
- Numbness or tingling
- Derealization or depersonalization
- Fear of going crazy
- Fear of dying
What is a panic disorder?
Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks
≥1 attack has been followed by 1 month or more of 1 or both of the following:
- Persistent concern about additional attacks or their consequences.
- A significant maladaptive change in behavior related to the attacks.
What is panic avoidance?
Forms of avoidance that people with panic disorder will engage in include:
- Avoiding exercise
- Sexual activity
- Hot weather
What is the DSM-5 criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
A. Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation),
occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a
number of events or activities (such as work or school
performance).
B. The individual finds it difficult to control the worry.
C. The anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of
the following six symptoms (with at least some symptoms having
been present for more days than not for the past 6 months):
Note: Only one item is required in children.
1. Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge.
2. Being easily fatigued.
3. Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
4. Irritability.
5. Muscle tension.
6. Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or
restless, unsatisfying sleep).
A. Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation),
occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a
number of events or activities (such as work or school
performance).
B. The individual finds it difficult to control the worry.
C. The anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of
the following six symptoms (with at least some symptoms having
been present for more days than not for the past 6 months):
Note: Only one item is required in children.
1. Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge.
2. Being easily fatigued.
3. Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
4. Irritability.
5. Muscle tension.
6. Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless, unsatisfying sleep).
D. The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
E. The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects
of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or another
medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).
F. The disturbance is not better explained by another mental
disorder.
What are GABA and Glutamate?
- GABA -> Primary Inhibitory NT
- Glutamate -> Primary Excitatory NT
What does CNS function depend on?
CNS function depends on homeostasis
Does there need to be a balance between GABA and Glutamate?
Most neurotransmission in the brain involves the balance of GABA and Glutamate
Balance between the two is critical for homeostasis.
