Abstract This paper looks at benzodiazepines and explores why they are still the main drugs used for patients with anxiety even though the American Psychiatric Association has issued guidelines saying that SSRIs are the drug of choice for treating anxiety. There is resistance to change, and it is unclear why, since benzodiapepines often build dependency.
From the Paper "Benzodiazepines are tranquillizers used to treat anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepine receptors are found throughout the central nervous system linked to gamma amino butyric acid GABA receptors, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS Longo and Johnson. It enhances the affinity of the recognition site for GABA by inducing a conformational change. The GABA receptor complex also binds barbiturates and other sedative-hypnotics such as alcohol. Low et al have shown that they react with the alpha GABAA receptors which are expressed mostly in the limbic system.
Abstract 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."
Abstract This paper describes various aspects of psychology, behavior and treatment options. It begins by discussing anti-psychotic drugs and a few of their typical side effects. It then briefly describes the category of anti-anxiety drugs called benzodiazepines and their side effects. The paper then lists and explains the four basic techniques of Freudian psychoanalysis. It concludes by discussing different types of therapy, such as the mental hospital as a therapeutic community, universal interventions and systematic desensitization and modeling.
Table of Contents:
Anti-psychotic Drugs
Freudian Psychoanalysis
Behavior Therapy: Systematic Desensitization And Modeling
Universal Interventions
The Mental Hospital As A Therapeutic Community
From the Paper "Therapeutic communities are important and valuable tools, but certainly not for all patients. Often, the community is made up of a certain ward or unit of the hospital, rather than the entire facility. Clearly, some patients, such as those suffering from serious debilitating diseases such as dementia or severe schizophrenia might not be physically or mentally able to exist in such a facility. However, for others, who have specific issues or health problems, and are in the facility hoping for a cure, the community concept can help them become more sure of themselves, more able to function outside the facility, and give them confidence in their decision-making abilities."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the two drugs, Ritalin and Xanax. The paper discusses how Ritalin, known in pharmacology as methylphenidate, is a medication prescribed for individuals who have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The paper also discusses how Xanax (alprazolam), is listed in a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines which affect "chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety." The paper goes on to say that Xanax is prescribed to "relieve anxiety, nervousness and tension associated with anxiety disorders," yet can also be used to treat panic disorders.
From the Paper "Several other adverse physical effects are linked to taking Ritalin with other drugs which may cause severe and dangerous reactions, especially in children under the age of ten. Most of these drugs are MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate); the person taking Ritalin is well-advised to not use it "if you have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor in the last fourteen days" ("Ritalin," Internet). Certainly, some people may need to have their dosage levels adjusted by their physicians in order to alleviate the above-mentioned effects. In addition, some people taking Ritalin have reported symptoms associated with Tourette's Syndrome, although at this point in time the reasons for this are completely unknown. "
