1. 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

2. Drug Treatments for Stress 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

3. 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

4. Biofeedback Training 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

5. Biofeedback Training for Stress Heart Monitor High heart rate Moderate heart rate Low heart rate www.psychlotron.org.uk

6. Biofeedback Training for Stress Heart Monitor High heart rate Moderate heart rate Low heart rate www.psychlotron.org.uk

7. Biofeedback Training for Stress Heart Monitor High heart rate Moderate heart rate Low heart rate www.psychlotron.org.uk

8. Biofeedback Training for Stress Heart Monitor High heart rate Moderate heart rate Low heart rate www.psychlotron.org.uk

9. 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