Methods Of Modifying Behaviour 1 - Beta Blockers Flashcards
What are beta blockers?
Beta blockers have an antagonist action
A type of drug that reduces the sympathetic branch of the ANS and so therefore reduces the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline.
They are often used to treat people with heart problems
Also used to treat individuals in jobs where the symptoms of stress would have an inhibitory effect on their performance.
How do beta blockers work?
When adrenaline binds to it’s receptor site it stimulates the associated muscle which causes some of the physical symptoms of stress e.g. the cardiac muscle of the heart.
Beta blockers work by blocking the receptor sites for adrenaline and noradrenaline.
If a beta blocker is blocking the receptor site adrenaline can’t bind so the physical symptoms are reduced - people feel more confident and relaxed
Beta blockers don’t necessarily stop the stress- they just mask the effects of it so are good in Acute stress situations.
What are the 2 types of beta blockers?
Selective and non selective
What are selective beta blockers?
Affect mostly the heart and will therefore have little affect on other areas of the body.
They only block B1 receptor sites.
They are for less severe stress
They have less severe side effects
What are non selective beta blockers?
Block adrenaline and noradrenaline in other areas of the body, as well as the heart.
They block receptor sites for B1 and B2
Affect the heart, kidneys, liver and other areas of the body.
They have more severe side effect
They are for more severe stress.
Why are beta blockers banned in sports?
They increase performance and concentration
Why are beta blockers classed as “ off label medication”?
Beta blockers are meant to be prescribed for heart problems
Have not actually undergone any trials to test whether it is a safe and effective treatment for anxiety and stress.
However if a doctor feels that the benefits of prescribing beta blockers for stress outweigh any risks then they can prescribe it as an “off label” medication.
What are side effects of beta blockers?
Nausea Diarrhoea Cold extremities Hypertension Heart failure Insomnia and nightmares Dizziness Hair loss
Why do musicians use beta blockers?
To improve their performance when playing in a high stress performance.
How do beta blockers help musicians?
They reduce adrenaline therefore they:
- reduce stress
- reduce heart rate
- reduce symptoms of stress
Lockwood (1989) Musicians
Studied 2000 musicians in major US symphony orchestra
Found that:
27% used beta blockers
19% used beta blockers on a daily basis
What are benzodiazepines (BZs)?
Increased GABA which is the bodies natural anxiety relief
Only used to treat people with severe stress and anxiety
They are highly addictive and cause drowsiness and impaired judgement so can be very dangerous.
