Drug therapy- evaluate

Question 1

2 weaknesses

Answer 1

• ethical implications
• high increase in the demand of beta blockers

Question 2

2 positives

Answer 2

• lockwood (1989)
• The world anti- doping agency

Question 3

ethical implications- beta blockers

Answer 3

• fatigue and dizziness- due to heart rate being slowed down
• poor circulation- heart rate slowing down makes it more difficult for blood to travel around the body
• gastrointestinal symptoms: an upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, constipation
• sexual dysfunction
• weight gain

Question 4

• the world anti- doping agency

Answer 4

• banned the use of beta blockers, as a result of their effect and links to improved performance (for sports athletes)

Question 5

Lockwood 1989

Answer 5

• studied over 2000 musicians in a major symphony orchestra
• 27% were found to have used beta blockers to inhibit anxiety when performing
• this suggests that beta blockers do lower the physical symptoms of stress, have a calming effect and ultimately improve performance

Question 6

Increase in the demand of beta blockers

Answer 6

there has been a high increase in the demand of beta blockers as they are being used to treat all kinds of stress although this is not what they were made for, they were made to treat high blood pressure, chest pain and irregular heart beat

they have created a culture of dependency and lack of responsibility