A nurse is caring for a patient with social anxiety disorder. The nurse understands that beta-blockers may be used as an adjunct to antidepressants for the treatment of social anxiety disorder. The nurse further explains that beta-blockers:

Choice A rationale:

Diazepam - Diazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, but it's not typically considered a first-line agent for panic disorder due to concerns about dependence and withdrawal.

Choice B rationale:

Buspirone - This is the correct answer. Buspirone is often used as a first-line agent for the treatment of panic disorder. It is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that works by interacting with serotonin and dopamine receptors, providing anxiolytic effects without the risk of significant sedation or dependence.

Choice C rationale:

Fluoxetine - Fluoxetine is an SSRI commonly used to treat depression and some anxiety disorders, including panic disorder. However, it might not be the first-line choice due to its delayed onset of action compared to other treatments.

Choice D rationale:

Pregabalin - Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant used to treat various conditions, including neuropathic pain and generalized anxiety disorder. It may be used in the treatment of panic disorder in some cases, but it's not typically considered a first-line option.

Choice E rationale:

Propranolol - Propranolol is a beta-blocker that can help manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and tremors. While it may be used adjunctively in panic disorder treatment, it's not a first-line choice for addressing the core symptoms of panic disorder.

Choice A rationale:

Enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Benzodiazepines are known to enhance the inhibitory effects of GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. This results in reduced neuronal excitability, leading to the anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects of benzodiazepines.

Choice B rationale:

Block beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart and blood vessels. This statement is incorrect. While beta-blockers can be used to manage certain physical symptoms of anxiety (such as rapid heartbeat), benzodiazepines do not directly block beta-adrenergic receptors.

Choice C rationale:

Partially agonize serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and antagonize dopamine D2 receptors. This statement is inaccurate. Benzodiazepines primarily interact with GABA receptors, not serotonin or dopamine receptors.

Choice D rationale:

Modulate the activity of various neurotransmitters and ion channels in the brain. This statement is overly broad and doesn't accurately describe the specific mechanism of benzodiazepines. Their primary mode of action is through enhancing GABAergic inhibition.