Dealing With Stress – Biologicallly

drugs

Benzodiazepines

  • Enhance body’s GABA which calms neural activity by allowing more negatively charged ions into our neurons reducing their sensitivity to neurotransmitters.

Khan – BZ support

  • 250pps using BZ’s over 8 weeks and found that they were significantly superior at treating anxiety when compared to a placebo.

Beta-Blockers

  • Reduce the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline by binding to beta-adrenergic receptors in our bodies and prevents them from becoming stimulated by A or NA.

evaluation of drugs

  • Quick compared to other methods
  • Accessible
  • Cheaper than other methods
  • Side effects such as addiction
  • Ethical?

biofeedback

Patient linked to a machine that monitors physical changes when we feel stressed. Patient able to see the positive effects of relaxation techniques when feeling stressed