A nurse is caring for a patient with panic disorder. Which of the following medications is often used as a first-line agent for the treatment of panic disorder?

Choice A rationale:

Completely eliminate anxiety symptoms. While this might be an ideal goal, it's not always achievable due to the nature of anxiety disorders. Anxiety is a normal human emotion, and the goal of treatment is to manage it rather than eliminate it completely.

Choice B rationale:

Reduce the severity and frequency of anxiety symptoms. This is the correct goal of pharmacological treatment for anxiety disorders. Complete elimination of anxiety symptoms is often unrealistic, but reducing their severity and frequency can significantly improve the patient's quality of life.

Choice C rationale:

Treat the underlying cause of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. While addressing underlying causes is important, pharmacological treatment primarily aims to manage symptoms rather than target the complex underlying causes.

Choice D rationale:

Prevent comorbidities associated with anxiety disorders. While effective anxiety treatment can potentially prevent some comorbidities, such as depression, the primary focus of pharmacological treatment is directly on managing anxiety symptoms rather than solely preventing associated conditions.

Choice A rationale:

Enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain - This choice is not accurate. Beta-blockers do not enhance GABA activity; instead, they affect adrenergic pathways in the body.

Choice B rationale:

Block beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart and blood vessels - This is correct. Beta-blockers primarily work by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to reduced heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and decreased cardiac output. In the context of social anxiety disorder, beta-blockers can help manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as tremors and rapid heartbeat.

Choice C rationale:

Partially agonize serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and antagonize dopamine D2 receptors - This choice is not accurate. Beta-blockers do not significantly interact with serotonin or dopamine receptors in this manner.

Choice D rationale:

Modulate the activity of various neurotransmitters and ion channels in the brain - This is also correct. While beta-blockers are primarily known for their effects on adrenergic pathways, they can also have indirect effects on various neurotransmitters and ion channels in the brain, contributing to their anxiolytic properties.