Physiological methods of stress management
Strengths of drug treatments
Effectiveness:
A way to asses effectiveness One group of anxious patients is given a drug and another group is given a placebo (has no pharmacological effects) and the results were compared.
The groups were not told whether it was them who had gotten the real medication or the placebo able to determine if the drug is effective because of its pharmacological properties of whether it was all psychological.
1. Kahn et al. (1986) – followed 250 patients over 8 weeks and discovered that BZs were significantly superior to a placebo.
2. Hildalgo et al. (2001) – found that BZs were more effective then antidepressants at reducing anxiety.
3. Beta-blockers are effective in reducing anxiety in stressful situations (among musicians, sports like snooker and golf,…)
Ease of use:
The therapy requires little effort from the user – just remember to take the pills.
Psychological methods – requires time, effort and motivation.
Weaknesses of drug treatments
Addiction:
BZs were introduced to replace barbiturates – addictive.
Patients exhibited withdrawal symptoms, indicating a physiological dependence.
Even patients taking low doses of BZs show withdrawal symptoms when they stopped taking them recommended that use should be limited to a max. of 4 weeks.
Side effects:
Include “paradoxical” symptoms – opposite of what might be expected.
E.g. increased aggressiveness and cognitive side effects (impairment of memory – LTM)
Some studies have linked them with an increased risk of developmental diabetes.
Treating the symptoms rather than the problem:
The effect only lasts while the person is taking the drugs.
In cases of chronic stress, it is not appropriate to offer a temporary solution esp. if it produces further problems e.g. addiction.
A psychological treatment might address the problem itself, rather than just the symptoms.
Effectiveness:
A way to asses effectiveness One group of anxious patients is given a drug and another group is given a placebo (has no pharmacological effects) and the results were compared.
The groups were not told whether it was them who had gotten the real medication or the placebo able to determine if the drug is effective because of its pharmacological properties of whether it was all psychological.
1. Kahn et al. (1986) – followed 250 patients over 8 weeks and discovered that BZs were significantly superior to a placebo.
2. Hildalgo et al. (2001) – found that BZs were more effective then antidepressants at reducing anxiety.
3. Beta-blockers are effective in reducing anxiety in stressful situations (among musicians, sports like snooker and golf,…)
Ease of use:
The therapy requires little effort from the user – just remember to take the pills.
Psychological methods – requires time, effort and motivation.
Weaknesses of drug treatments
Addiction:
BZs were introduced to replace barbiturates – addictive.
Patients exhibited withdrawal symptoms, indicating a physiological dependence.
Even patients taking low doses of BZs show withdrawal symptoms when they stopped taking them recommended that use should be limited to a max. of 4 weeks.
Side effects:
Include “paradoxical” symptoms – opposite of what might be expected.
E.g. increased aggressiveness and cognitive side effects (impairment of memory – LTM)
Some studies have linked them with an increased risk of developmental diabetes.
Treating the symptoms rather than the problem:
The effect only lasts while the person is taking the drugs.
In cases of chronic stress, it is not appropriate to offer a temporary solution esp. if it produces further problems e.g. addiction.
A psychological treatment might address the problem itself, rather than just the symptoms.