Stress Notes 
Biological Psychology Notes
Sumaiya Bhimji 12L
Stress Notes
Biological Treatment
Benzodiazepine
Group of drug most commonly used to treat anxiety which slows down the activity of the central nervous system.
GABA - Neurotransmitter that it is the body's’ natural form of the anxiety relief. 40%
of the neuron response to GABA & produce a quieting effect. This happen when GABA receptors react with the neuron on the outside of the receiving neuron. when GABA lock into the receptor it open a flow of chloride ions making it harder for the neuron to be stimulated by other neurotransmitter slowing down the activity & making the person more relaxed.
Benzodiazepines enhance the action of GABA by binding to special sites of
GABA receptors & boosting the action of GABA. This allows more chlorine ions to enter the neuron making it even more resistant to excitation. The brains output of the excitatory neurotransmitters is reduced & the person feels calmer. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has an affect on the brain.
Benzodiazepines reduce the increase in serotonin activity which reduces anxiety. Evaluation
Advantage:
Kahn et al (1986) - Followed nearly 250 patient over eight weeks
& found that Benzodiapenes were significantly superior to a placebo
-EFFECTIVE.
Disadvantage:
Benzodiazepines lead to a state of physical dependence when take for a long period of time( addiction). When patients stop taking the drug they are likely to suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as lack of sleep or sweating or raised heartbeat.
Biological Psychology Notes
Sumaiya Bhimji 12L
Stress Notes
There are ethical issues associated with the use of BZ’s. Patients need to be fully informed with the side effect & that these drugs are highly addictive.
Beta Blockers
Sympathetic Arousal :
Stress becomes highly active of the sympathetic nervous system & this creates high blood pressure , increase in heart rate , elevated levels of cortisol. These symptoms can
Sumaiya Bhimji 12L
Stress Notes
Biological Treatment
Benzodiazepine
Group of drug most commonly used to treat anxiety which slows down the activity of the central nervous system.
GABA - Neurotransmitter that it is the body's’ natural form of the anxiety relief. 40%
of the neuron response to GABA & produce a quieting effect. This happen when GABA receptors react with the neuron on the outside of the receiving neuron. when GABA lock into the receptor it open a flow of chloride ions making it harder for the neuron to be stimulated by other neurotransmitter slowing down the activity & making the person more relaxed.
Benzodiazepines enhance the action of GABA by binding to special sites of
GABA receptors & boosting the action of GABA. This allows more chlorine ions to enter the neuron making it even more resistant to excitation. The brains output of the excitatory neurotransmitters is reduced & the person feels calmer. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has an affect on the brain.
Benzodiazepines reduce the increase in serotonin activity which reduces anxiety. Evaluation
Advantage:
Kahn et al (1986) - Followed nearly 250 patient over eight weeks
& found that Benzodiapenes were significantly superior to a placebo
-EFFECTIVE.
Disadvantage:
Benzodiazepines lead to a state of physical dependence when take for a long period of time( addiction). When patients stop taking the drug they are likely to suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as lack of sleep or sweating or raised heartbeat.
Biological Psychology Notes
Sumaiya Bhimji 12L
Stress Notes
There are ethical issues associated with the use of BZ’s. Patients need to be fully informed with the side effect & that these drugs are highly addictive.
Beta Blockers
Sympathetic Arousal :
Stress becomes highly active of the sympathetic nervous system & this creates high blood pressure , increase in heart rate , elevated levels of cortisol. These symptoms can