Beta Blockers

• The cells in the muscles of the heart have tiny stuctures called beta-adrenic receptors

  When stress hormones are released into the bloodstream these receptors are stimulated causing heartrate to increase

  Beta blockers block these recptors and therefore reduce the fight or flight response
• Non-selective Beta Blockers

  Blocks adrenaline and noradrenaline in other parts of the body aswell as the heart
• Selective Beta Blockers

  Mostly affect the heart and reduce cardiac output and therefore have less effect on other parts of the body
• Research to support the use of beta blockers

  Lockwood studied 2000 musicians in the US symphony and found 27% used beta blockers and 17% used them daily
• Benzodiazepines are an alternative

  They increase the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA. GABA is used to increase the flow of ions into the neuron preventing any other neurotransmitter to stimulate it. Benzodiazepines increase the action of GABA at these receptors and therefore have a calming effect on the brain
• Effectivness

  Beta blockers reduce the physical effects of stress but not the psychological or emotional
• Effectivness

  Beta blockers have been found effective in reducing elevated blood pressure found with stress
• Effectivness

  Beta blockers have been found to be effective in reducing performance anxiety
• Ethical issue

  Beta blockers have side effects although not that severe as benzodiazepines
• Ethical issue

  Using beta blockers to enhance sporting performance raises concerns
• Social Implication

  It can be argued beta blockers are being over prescribed
• Social Implication

  Beta blockers are mainly for heaart problems so people who use it for stress/ anxiety are being prescribed it 'off label'