Beta Blockers

Question 1

What do biological explanations of stress focus on?

Answer 1

Physical effects of stress and as such biological methods of modifying stress target the physiological response in particular the sympathetic nervous system.

Question 2

What are beta blockers?

Answer 2

A type of drug that is prescribed to reduce the physical symptoms of stress such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Question 3

What happens when the stress response is initiated?

Answer 3

The sympathetic nervous system is activated and stress hormones are released which can have a negative effect on our cardiovascular system.

Question 4

What type of action do beta blockers have?

Answer 4

An antagonistic action as they reduce activity in the nervous system. They block receptor sites for adrenaline and noradrenaline and effectively slow the body down, breathing, blood pressure and heart rate are lowered and the stress.

Question 5

What are beta blockers commonly prescribed for?

Answer 5

Acute and chronic stress
-treat stress related conditions like angina and hypertension
-do not directly affect psychological symptoms such as negative thinking, restlessness or irratibility but can help people feel calmer e.g reduce palpitations

Question 6

How do beta blockers work?

Answer 6

blocking the chemicals that cause the physical symptoms of stress.

Question 7

Selective beta blockers

Answer 7

An example would be atenolol
-Selective beta blockers target the cardiac output by blocking beta 1 receptors slowing the heart rate down.

Question 8

Non-selective beta blockers

Answer 8

-An example would be propranolol
-Target adrenaline and noradrenaline in the heart and other areas in the body such as the liver and kidneys
-Block beta 1 and beta 2 receptors.

Question 9

Why are beta blockers considered ‘off label’

Answer 9

They have not undergone clinical trials as they were developed to treat heart conditions. The safety and effectiveness of these off label drugs have not been scientifically substantiated.

Question 10

Give an example of beta blockers in use

Answer 10

Lockwood 1989 studied over 2000 musicians in major symphony orchestras
-research found 27% of the sample used beta blockers to inhibit the anxiety experienced by performing
-suggests beta blockers do lower the physical symptoms of stress and have a calming effect and ultimately improve performance

Question 11

Why has the use of beta blockers been banned in sport?

Answer 11

banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency due to their effects and links to improved performance.