Drugs used to control anxiety and agitation; increase GABA in brain; Ex: Xanax or Ativan (benzodiazepines) what are they?

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Study for the Clinical Psychology Vocabulary Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions each containing hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your examination!

Multiple Choice

Drugs used to control anxiety and agitation; increase GABA in brain; Ex: Xanax or Ativan (benzodiazepines) what are they?

Explanation:
Anxiolytics are drugs used to calm anxiety and reduce agitation. They work by increasing the activity of GABA, the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter, which dampens neural firing and produces a calming effect. Benzodiazepines like Xanax and Ativan are classic examples of this class. This makes the label a precise fit for drugs meant to ease anxious symptoms. In contrast, antidepressants are defined by mood-related effects and often target serotonin or norepinephrine rather than GABA; antipsychotics address psychotic or severe mood symptoms; and psychopharmacology refers to the study of how drugs affect the mind, not a specific drug category.

Anxiolytics are drugs used to calm anxiety and reduce agitation. They work by increasing the activity of GABA, the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter, which dampens neural firing and produces a calming effect. Benzodiazepines like Xanax and Ativan are classic examples of this class. This makes the label a precise fit for drugs meant to ease anxious symptoms. In contrast, antidepressants are defined by mood-related effects and often target serotonin or norepinephrine rather than GABA; antipsychotics address psychotic or severe mood symptoms; and psychopharmacology refers to the study of how drugs affect the mind, not a specific drug category.

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