Drugs

Benzodiaepines BZs Drugs used to treat anxiety and stress – making the person feel calmer. BZs reduce any increased serotonin activity which then reduces anxiety.

Beta-Blockers Beta-Blockers reduce activity of adrenaline and nor-adrenaline. They block receptors, making it harder to stimulate cells E.g the heart, so it beast slower with less force and blood vessels do not contract so easily. This results in a fall in blood pressure, therefore less stress in the heart – making the person feel calmer and less anxious.

Strengths of drugs Drugs help with stress Can be accessed by having two groups – one is given the drug while the other is given the placebo. Weaknesses of drugs BZs are addictive BZs can give you ‘paradoxical’ symptoms as a side effect

Research Kahn et al – studied 250 patients over 8 weeks and found that BZs were more effective instead of placebo More over Beta-Blockers are effective in reducing anxiety in stressful situations.