Anxiety Medications: Master the Pharmacology for Effective Treatment

Question 1

Which of the following is not a subtype of benzodiazepine receptors?

Accepted Answer

μ

Answer

α1

Answer

α2

Answer

α3

Question 2

Benzodiazepines are most commonly used for which of the following in managing anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Short-term relief of acute anxiety during severe stress

Answer

Long-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in older adults

Answer

Managing panic disorder with agoraphobia

Answer

Treating social anxiety disorder

Question 3

In the management of benzodiazepine dependence, which approach should be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Immediate medication cessation

Answer

Gradual dose reduction

Answer

Supportive counseling

Answer

Alternative medication use

Question 4

What is the fundamental distinction in the mechanisms of action between benzodiazepines and buspirone?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines enhance GABAergic neurotransmission, while buspirone partially activates 5-HT1A receptors.

Answer

Buspirone inhibits GABAergic activity, while benzodiazepines partially activate 5-HT1A receptors.

Answer

Both benzodiazepines and buspirone exert their effects through GABAergic agonism.

Answer

Both buspirone and benzodiazepines exert their effects through 5-HT1A partial agonism.

Question 5

Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing GABA-ergic transmission

Answer

Blocking NMDA receptors

Answer

Stimulating dopamine release

Answer

Inhibiting serotonin reuptake

Question 6

Which adverse effect is commonly associated with the use of benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

Drowsiness

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Hypomania

Question 7

Which of the following statements accurately describes buspirone?

Accepted Answer

It is a non-sedating anxiolytic.

Answer

It has a rapid onset of action.

Answer

It is commonly used to treat panic disorder.

Answer

It has a high risk of dependence.

Question 8

Which of the following mechanisms is NOT involved in the anxiolytic effects of antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Blockade of GABA receptors

Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Answer

Enhancement of noradrenaline activity

Answer

Reduction of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity

Question 9

Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

Enhancement of GABAergic neurotransmission

Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Answer

Blockade of NMDA receptors

Answer

Stimulation of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors

Question 10

How can co-occurring medical conditions impact the choice and dosage of medications prescribed for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Co-occurring medical conditions can affect drug metabolism, absorption, distribution, or excretion, requiring dosage adjustments.

Answer

Co-occurring medical conditions have no influence on drug selection or dosage.

Answer

Co-occurring medical conditions only affect the choice of drug, not the dosage.

Question 11

Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action of benzodiazepines in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Potentiation of GABAergic neurotransmission

Answer

Blockade of dopamine receptors

Answer

Enhancement of norepinephrine release

Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a common clinical application of benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

Treatment of schizophrenia

Answer

Management of panic attacks

Answer

Prevention of alcohol withdrawal seizures

Answer

Relief of anxiety symptoms

Question 13

Which of the following is a well-recognized adverse effect of benzodiazepine use?

Accepted Answer

Drowsiness and sedation

Answer

Tachycardia and hypertension

Answer

Hallucinations and delusions

Question 14

Which of the following is an established clinical use of buspirone?

Accepted Answer

Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Management of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Prevention of migraines

Answer

Relief of panic attacks

Question 15

Which benzodiazepine is primarily known for its rapid onset of action and short duration, making it suitable for the treatment of acute anxiety attacks?

Accepted Answer

Alprazolam

Answer

Clonazepam

Answer

Lorazepam

Answer

Diazepam

Question 16

What is the primary mechanism of action of buspirone in alleviating anxiety symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Partial agonism at 5-HT1A receptors

Answer

Antagonism of GABA-A receptors

Answer

Blockade of NMDA receptors

Answer

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase

Question 17

In the management of generalized anxiety disorder in adults, what is generally considered the first-line non-pharmacological treatment option?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Paroxetine

Answer

Buspirone

Answer

Alprazolam

Question 18

Which of the following describes the primary mechanism by which benzodiazepines exert their anxiolytic effects?

Accepted Answer

Enhancement of GABA activity at GABA-A receptors

Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Answer

Stimulation of dopamine release

Answer

Activation of alpha-adrenergic receptors

Question 19

Among the potential adverse effects associated with chronic benzodiazepine use, which is a particular concern due to its potential severity?

Accepted Answer

Dependence and risk of withdrawal syndrome

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Cardiovascular toxicity

Question 20

Buspirone is primarily indicated for the treatment of which specific anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Social phobia

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Question 21

When administering buspirone concurrently with other medications, what potential drug interaction should be considered to minimize the risk of adverse effects?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of serotonin syndrome with SSRIs

Answer

Enhanced anticholinergic effects with tricyclic antidepressants

Answer

Reduced efficacy of benzodiazepines

Answer

Exacerbation of extrapyramidal symptoms with antipsychotics

Question 22

Compared to benzodiazepines, what is a key advantage of using antidepressants in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Lower risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms

Answer

Faster onset of action

Answer

Improved tolerability

Answer

Greater efficacy in severe anxiety

Question 23

Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for the use of benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

Untreated severe respiratory depression

Answer

Pregnancy

Answer

Elderly patients

Answer

Renal impairment

Question 24

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

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of serotonin and/or norepinephrine reuptake

Answer

Potentiation of GABA activity

Answer

Blockade of NMDA receptors

Question 25

Which of the following is a common adverse effect associated with buspirone?

Accepted Answer

Nausea and gastrointestinal upset

Answer

Cardiovascular toxicity

Answer

Sedation and drowsiness

Answer

Tardive dyskinesia

Question 26

What is an important consideration when discontinuing benzodiazepine therapy?

Accepted Answer

Tapering off gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms

Answer

No special precautions are necessary

Answer

Abrupt discontinuation is usually safe