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Psychopharmacology of Anxiety Disorders

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your knowledge of the psychopharmacology of anxiety disorders. It covers various aspects of medications used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including their mechanisms of action, clinical indications, side effects, and drug interactions.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: psychopharmacology anxiety disorders medications
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Which of the following is the primary neurotransmitter system implicated in anxiety disorders?

  1. Dopamine

  2. Serotonin

  3. Norepinephrine

  4. Glutamate


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Serotonin is the primary neurotransmitter system implicated in anxiety disorders. Dysregulation of serotonin signaling is thought to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of these disorders.

Which class of medications is commonly used as first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

  1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

  2. Benzodiazepines

  3. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

  4. Buspirone


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

SSRIs are commonly used as first-line treatment for GAD due to their efficacy, tolerability, and relatively low risk of dependence.

What is the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

  1. Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

  2. Enhancement of norepinephrine release

  3. Potentiation of GABAergic neurotransmission

  4. Blockade of dopamine receptors


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Benzodiazepines exert their anxiolytic effects by potentiating GABAergic neurotransmission, resulting in increased inhibitory activity in the central nervous system.

Which of the following is a common side effect of benzodiazepines?

  1. Nausea

  2. Headache

  3. Drowsiness

  4. Constipation


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Drowsiness is a common side effect of benzodiazepines, particularly at higher doses or in sensitive individuals.

What is the primary mechanism of action of buspirone in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

  1. Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

  2. Enhancement of norepinephrine release

  3. Partial agonism at serotonin receptors

  4. Antagonism at dopamine receptors


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Buspirone exerts its anxiolytic effects primarily through partial agonism at serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT1A receptor.

Which of the following is a potential drug interaction with SSRIs?

  1. Warfarin

  2. Aspirin

  3. Ibuprofen

  4. Alcohol


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

SSRIs can interact with warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding due to inhibition of warfarin metabolism.

What is the recommended duration of treatment with benzodiazepines for anxiety disorders?

  1. 2-4 weeks

  2. 4-6 weeks

  3. 6-8 weeks

  4. 8-12 weeks


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Benzodiazepines are generally recommended for short-term use (2-4 weeks) in the treatment of anxiety disorders due to the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Which of the following is a potential side effect of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

  1. Dry mouth

  2. Constipation

  3. Blurred vision

  4. Weight gain


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Dry mouth is a common side effect of TCAs due to their anticholinergic properties.

What is the primary mechanism of action of pregabalin in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

  1. Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

  2. Enhancement of norepinephrine release

  3. Modulation of voltage-gated calcium channels

  4. Blockade of dopamine receptors


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Pregabalin exerts its anxiolytic effects primarily through modulation of voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing neuronal excitability.

Which of the following is a potential drug interaction with pregabalin?

  1. Alcohol

  2. Opioids

  3. Benzodiazepines

  4. Anticonvulsants


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Pregabalin can interact with alcohol, potentiating the sedative effects of both substances.

What is the recommended dosage range for buspirone in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

  1. 5-10 mg/day

  2. 10-20 mg/day

  3. 20-30 mg/day

  4. 30-40 mg/day


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The recommended dosage range for buspirone in the treatment of anxiety disorders is typically 20-30 mg/day, divided into two or three doses.

Which of the following is a potential side effect of hydroxyzine in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

  1. Nausea

  2. Headache

  3. Drowsiness

  4. Constipation


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Drowsiness is a common side effect of hydroxyzine due to its antihistaminic properties.

What is the primary mechanism of action of propranolol in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

  1. Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

  2. Enhancement of norepinephrine release

  3. Blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors

  4. Potentiation of GABAergic neurotransmission


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Propranolol exerts its anxiolytic effects primarily through blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors, reducing the sympathetic nervous system activity.

Which of the following is a potential drug interaction with propranolol?

  1. Warfarin

  2. Aspirin

  3. Ibuprofen

  4. Alcohol


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Propranolol can interact with warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding due to inhibition of warfarin metabolism.

What is the recommended dosage range for propranolol in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

  1. 10-20 mg/day

  2. 20-40 mg/day

  3. 40-60 mg/day

  4. 60-80 mg/day


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The recommended dosage range for propranolol in the treatment of anxiety disorders is typically 20-40 mg/day, divided into two or three doses.

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