Methods of modifying 1 - Beta Blockers Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is the AO1 Content?
- Beta blockers and their mode of action
- Types of beta blockers
- Use of beta blockers
What neurotransmitter and NS do beta blockers work on?
Act on adrenaline and noradrenaline and calm down the arousal of the sympathetic nervous system.
What are BB commonly prescribed for?
Reduce blood pressure
How do BB work?
They work as an antagonist they bind to adrenaline and noradrenaline receptor sites to stop the symptoms of fight or flight response.
What situations would BB be useful in?
For acute stressful situations by blocking any negative symptoms.
Do they stop anxiety?
They don’t stop anxiety as the hormones are still released but the effects aren’t felt by the individual as they aren’t received by the receptors.
How many Beta receptors in our body and where are they found?
- Found in the heart
- Found in lungs, blood and other organs
- Found in fat cells
What are non selective beta blockers?
Block Nora/adrenaline in other areas of the body aswell as the heart. Block B1 and B2 receptors e.g., heart lungs blood etc. E.g., Propranolol
What are selective beta blockers?
They affect mainly B1 receptors in the heart, have less effect on the body. E.g., Atenolol
How are they used ‘off label’?
Beta blockers are mostly used for individuals with health issues such as high blood pressure however, if a doctor feels that their anxiety would benefit from them they are prescribed. They are not registered as a treatment for anxiety meaning no clinical trials have taken place to ensure maximum safety, so a cost benefit analysis is conducted.
How have they been used in stress management for athletes?
BB will reduce the symptoms that may affect performance so Propanol is usually used for performance stress. However they have been banned in some sports as they may be linked to improved performance.
How have they been used for stress management in musicians?
Musicians have reported using them to manage the effects of stage fright. A piece of research showed that 27% of sampled orchestras use beta blockers.
Evaluation - Effectiveness research support
Neftel et al found that when giving string players a beta blocker or a placebo before performing, the BB had lower heart rates and were able to play more complex pieces accuratley. They also reported much less anxiety during the performance.
Evaluation - Effectiveness. Benefits Other Aspects of stress.
Schwabe et al did an experiment that involved 3 groups. One with no stress, one with stress + placebo and one with stress + BB. He argued that addiction was a negative of stress. He found that those who received the placebo still continued addictive behaviours but those who had the BB did not. He concluded that BB can not only be used to help physical symptoms but to help the individual psychologically focus.
Evaluation - Long term effectiveness
Has been criticised for long term use, they do not address the psychological aspects of stress and prevent the individual from tackling them. The drug does not address the root of the problem, a psychological therapy may be better for this. Therefore unlikley to work for chronic stress.
Evaluation - Ethical implications. Side effects
The side effects do tend to be mild and temporary. E.g., diarrhoea and nausea. Could cause issues with breathing for asthmatics but overall the effects are minimal. Stopping taking them suddenly can cause problems like heart palpatations as the body will have become used to the slow down of the sympathetic nervous system. People may become dependent on the drug.
Ethical implications - Using BB to enhance performance
They are banned from most sports which suggest they are viewed as unethical. A key part of high performance sports etc is the ability to perform under pressure, anyone taking BB may be at an unfair advantage.
Social implications - The impact of prescribing off label drugs
Controlled research into the drug and anxiety is very limited. There was a report that over 50% of BB prescriptions were being used for anxiety. Could be potential lawsuits against doctors should there be any adverse effects, could be an issue of valid consent.
Social implications - Possible over prescription
A rise of 7% in BB prescriptions have been seen. It is a concern hat they are being over prescribed for stress. Anxiety is an increasing issue with little treatment, psycho therapy are more expensive therefore BB may be being prescribed as a cost effective option without dealing with the root of the issue.
