Biological methods of stress management Stress Biological Psychology

Exam focus We have covered Psychological Methods of stress management. What two methods did we examine last lesson? This lesson we are going to learn about Biological Methods of stress management. Any idea of what this might involve?

Exam focus In the exam you could be asked to discuss Psychological or Biological methods of stress management. What would you write about if the question said Physiological? June, 2009: Discuss one or more physiological methods of stress management. (10 marks) Read the question and don’t get confused by the terminology! Biological = Physiological

Biological methods of stress management A person may focus on alleviating the emotions associated with a stressful situation, even if the situation itself cannot be changed. E.g. drugs can be used to reduce the anxiety associated with stress (drug therapies).

Drug therapies 1.Benzodiazepines (BZs) 2.Beta-blockers (BBs)

Benzodiazepines (BZs)  Common drug used to treat anxiety and stress.  Slows down the activity of the nervous system.

Role of GABA  GABA = NT (body’s natural form of anxiety relief).  When GABA is released it has a ‘quietening’ effect on neurons in the brain.  It does this by reacting with GABA receptors on the outside of receiving neurons.

Role of GABA  When GABA locks into these receptors, it opens a channel which increases the flow of chloride ions into the neuron.  Chloride ions make it harder for the neuron to be stimulated by other NTs, thus slowing down its activity and making the person feel more relaxed.

Sending neuron Receiving neuron Synaptic gap

How do Benzodiazepines work?  BZs enhance the action of GABA by binding to special sites on the GABA receptor and boosting the actions of GABA.  This allows more chloride ions to enter the neuron, making it even more resistant to excitation from other NTs.  As a result, the brain’s output of excitatory NTs is reduced and the person feels calmer.

Benzodiazepines (BZs) and serotonin  Serotonin is a NT that has an arousing effect in the brain.  BZs reduce any increased serotonin activity which then reduces anxiety.

Independent task On A4 paper draw a diagram or make a flowchart of the components and processes involved when a person takes benzodiazepine for stress. You have 10 minutes.

Youtube clip Evaluation of Benzodiazepines -LT prescribed users claimed drug lost its effectiveness and that it was associated with adverse effects. -Users found it difficult to stop taking the drug due to withdrawal effects. -Users became dependent/addicted to the drug.

Gap-fill of sympathetic arousal Stress can lead to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. What pathway is this? What physiological effects does this have on the body? What type of disorders can these symptoms be linked to? What can they also reduce the effectiveness of?

Beta-blockers (BBs) How do they work?  Reduce the activity of adrenaline and noradrenaline which are part of the sympathomedullary response to stress.  Bind to beta-receptors on the cells of the heart and other parts of the body that are usually stimulated during stress response.

Beta-blockers (BBs) What do they achieve?  Blocking beta-receptors on the heart causes a reverse effect of the stress hormones (e.g.?).  This causes the heart to beat more slowly and with less force.  It also means that the blood vessels do not contract so easily resulting in a fall in BP and less stress on the heart.  Consequently person feels calmer and less anxious.

Strength or weakness? There is research to support that drugs are effective in combating the effects of stress. It has recently been recognised that patients taking BZs can become addicted to the drugs, even if it is just low- dose dependence. (Recommended use of BZs is limited to 4 weeks). Patients display withdrawal symptoms when stop taking the drugs.

Strength or weakness? Ease of use is a great benefit of using drugs for stress as it requires little effort from the user; you just have to remember to take the pills. (Requires less time and effort than psychological methods). Many drugs have side effects. Associated side effects of BZs include increased aggressiveness and cognitive side effects i.e. memory impairment. (No evidence of side effects of BBs).

Strength or weakness? Treats the symptoms of stress rather than the underlying problem. Effects only last whilst the person is taking the drugs; if they stop taking them the effectiveness ceases and the problem may still be there i.e. long-term stress. (May be preferable to seek a treatment that addresses the problem itself – psychological method). BBs are effective in reducing anxiety in a variety of stressful situations e.g. among musicians and in sports where accuracy is more important than physical stamina i.e. snooker.

Measuring the effectiveness of a drug Assess effectiveness by comparing outcomes. Two groups of anxious patients; one group given drug, other group given a placebo (no effect on the body). Patients unaware, both given medication. Can determine whether drug’s effectiveness due to pharmacological properties or something psychological (e.g. simply believing that taking the drug will make you feel better).

Supporting research Hildalgo et al (2001)  Meta-analysis of studies focusing on treatment of social anxiety.  BZs more effective in reducing this anxiety than other drugs, such as anti-depressants.

So…what’s the difference? Biological = focus on alleviating emotions associated with stressful situation rather than dealing with the situation itself. Psychological = involves the use of techniques that help the person to cope with the situation rather than just dealing with the symptoms of their stress.

Independent task For each term or name in the table, colour code whether it is linked to SIT, hardiness training, Benzodiazepines or Beta-blockers. You will need 4 different colours. You have 10 minutes.

GABA Beta-receptors Focusing (CBT) Hardy personality Conceptualisation phase Chloride ions Cortisol Serotonin Adrenaline Kobasa Side effects Coping self- statements Self-improvement Sympathetic arousal Meichenbaum

Application of knowledge Exam focus 1.Complete the essay structure in your booklet for biological methods of stress management. 2.Read the exam answer and correct the 15 mistakes. 20 minutes