TRC: Treatment of anxiety

Treatment of anxiety

Three of the neurotransmitter systems (serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-amino butyric acid) have been manipulated in attempt to discover the best manner in which to treat anxiety. Historically, much attention focused on the fact that anxiety like symptoms (i.e. tachycardia, sweating and tremulousness) were found to be precipitated by noradrenergic stimulation.

Thus, treatment attempted to reduce the firing of the noradrenergic neurons (with benzodiazepines) or blocking the effect (with β-blockers). But now, the focus of treatment has switched to enhancing serotonin’s modulating effects at the amygdala, hypothalamus and locus coeruleus (with SSRI’s, TCA’s and MAOI’s). See also treatment of anxiety disorders.

SSRI’s are capable of inhibiting the cardiovascular manifestations of panic attacks.

Extra info: The projections from the raphe nuclei to the locus coeruleus are inhibitory, thus decrease the effects of NE.

Option explanation:

true

false

Benzodiazepines only inhibit GABA-A receptors on norepinephrine neurons.

Extra info: GABA-A receptors are located on many types of neurons and as such, can decrease firing of DA, 5-HT, etc.

Option explanation:

true

false

Treatment of anxiety

Treatment of anxiety

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