Benzodiazepines and the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

Paper Summary:

The benzodiazepines have evolved from a long search for effective sedative/hypnotics to treat anxiety disorders. While safer than previous clinically-used anxiolytics, the benzodiazepines have their drawbacks, as well. The paper shows that when treating anxiety disorders, evidence supports the use of combination therapy, either through the use of other psyhcotropic medication or in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy. The paper thus explains that benzodiazepines should be supplemented with other treatment options.

From the Paper:

"The BZDs create their effects by interacting with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the neuronal binding site for GABA. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and its presence reduces the neuronal firing rate of the post-synaptic cell. The GABA receptor site has other sections where other chemicals can bind as well. The BZDs own a separate section on the receptor, and when they simultaneously bind to this site with GABA, the two work together to increase the inhibitory effect on the post-synaptic cell."

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