Download Physiological Treatments

Aim to reduce the problem of stress by altering
the way the brain and/or body respond to it
Drugs
Biofeedback training
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Physiological Treatments
Stress response involves:
1. Increased levels of certain
neurotransmitters (e.g.
GABA, noradrenaline)
2. Increased activity in
particular brain areas (e.g.
limbic system)
3. Increased activity in
sympathetic nervous
system
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Drug Treatments for Stress
Centrally acting drugs affect the brain systems
and chemicals related to stress
Anxiolytic drugs like the benzodiazepines (BZs)
affect GABA levels and the activity of the limbic
system
Peripherally acting drugs affect the nervous
system in the body
Beta-blockers reduce the responsiveness of the
sympathetic ganglia and nerves
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Drug Treatments for Stress
Stress response includes:
1. Changes to heart and
respiratory activity
2. Alterations in muscular
tension
These changes are
involuntary but it might be
possible to learn to control
them
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Biofeedback Training for Stress
High heart rate
Moderate heart rate
Heart Monitor
Low heart rate
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Biofeedback Training for Stress
High heart rate
Moderate heart rate
Heart Monitor
Low heart rate
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Biofeedback Training for Stress
High heart rate
Moderate heart rate
Heart Monitor
Low heart rate
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Biofeedback Training for Stress
High heart rate
Moderate heart rate
Heart Monitor
Low heart rate
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Biofeedback Training for Stress
The person is made aware of signs of stress e.g.
heart rate, muscular tension etc.
The are connected to monitors that give
feedback about these measures
They use the feedback try and alter their own
heartrate, breathing etc.
www.psychlotron.org.uk
Biofeedback Training for Stress