Download Drug therapies SW - Beauchamp Psychology

Drug therapies: Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
There is research to support that drugs are effective in combating the effects of
stress.
Ease of use is a great benefit of using drugs for stress as it requires little effort
from the user; you just have to remember to take the pills. (Requires less time
and effort than psychological methods)
BBs are effective in reducing anxiety in a variety of stressful situations e.g.
among musicians and in sports where accuracy is more important than physical
stamina i.e. snooker.
Weaknesses
It has recently been recognised that patients taking BZs can become addicted
to the drugs, even if it is just low-dose dependence. (Recommended use of BZs
is limited to 4 weeks)
Patients display withdrawal symptoms when stop taking the drugs.
Many drugs have side effects. Associated side effects of BZs include increased
aggressiveness and cognitive side effects i.e. memory impairment. (No
evidence of side effects of BBs).
Treats the symptoms of stress rather than the underlying problem. The effects
only last whilst the person is taking the drugs; if they stop taking them the
effectiveness ceases and the problem may still be there i.e. if long-term stress.
(May be preferable to seek a treatment that addresses the problem itself –
psychological method)