NURS 6630N week 5

Psychosis and Schizophrenia Theresia Lefang Walden University NURS – 6630N-3 Approaches to Treatment Dr. Earle Reome 7/8/2018 Psychosis and Schizophrenia Introduction Our concentration this week is Anxiolyti ...

Psychosis and Schizophrenia Theresia Lefang Walden University NURS – 6630N-3 Approaches to Treatment Dr. Earle Reome 7/8/2018 Psychosis and Schizophrenia Introduction Our concentration this week is Anxiolytic therapy and Anxiety disorder specifically Generalized anxiety disorder. What are Anxiolytics? Anxiolytic (antianxiety) are medication used to treat anxiety and symptoms caused by anxiety. Anxiolytics reduce anxiety by increasing the action of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which happens to be the chemical that reduces brain activity (González-Trujano, Hernández-Sánchez, Ocotero, Dorazco- González, Fefer, & Aguirre-Hernández, 2017). It is believed that anxiety is caused by excessive activity in the brain and so increasing the action of GABA will reduce more brain activity thereby reducing anxiety. There are four main types of Anxiolytic namely: 1. Benzodiazepines are the most commonly used anxiolytics. Beside increasing the action of GABA, benzodiazepines also inhibits the activities of serotonin in the brain. Medication in this class include Xanax, Librium, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan, and Restoril just to name a few (adaa.org, 2018). 2. Non-Benzodiazepines include medications like Lunesta and Ambien. 3. Antihistamines: Antihistamines are a class of Anxiolytics that reduces anxiety by producing a sedative effect (adaa.org, 2018). Medications in this class include Atarax and Vistaril. 4. Buspar is in a class on its own on. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is persistent and excessive worry about situation or things even though there is little to no reason for being so worried (NIH.gov, 2016). Symptoms of GAD include persistent worrying, overthinking, indecisiveness, fear of making the wrong decision, inability to set aside or let go of a worry, difficulty concentrating and inability to relax (adaa.org, 2018).