A 27-year-old man comes to the emergency department with palpitations, sweating, and shortness of breath that began 10 minutes ago. He says, "Please help me, I don't want to die." He has experienced several similar episodes over the past 2 months, which occurred without warning in situations including open spaces or crowds and resolved gradually after 10 to 20 minutes. He has no history of serious illness and takes no medications. He drinks 2 bottles of beer daily. He appears anxious and has a flushed face. Physical examination, ECG, and laboratory evaluation are normal. The patient is diagnosed with panic disorder. After discussion of treatment options, he decides to pursue cognitive-behavioral therapy and start a short-term anxiolytic medication that also has muscle-relaxant and anticonvulsant properties. Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of this medication?

Question

A 27-year-old man comes to the emergency department with palpitations, sweating, and shortness of breath that began 10 minutes ago. He says, "Please help me, I don't want to die." He has experienced several similar episodes over the past 2 months, which occurred without warning in situations including open spaces or crowds and resolved gradually after 10 to 20 minutes. He has no history of serious illness and takes no medications. He drinks 2 bottles of beer daily. He appears anxious and has a flushed face. Physical examination, ECG, and laboratory evaluation are normal.  The patient is diagnosed with panic disorder.  After discussion of treatment options, he decides to pursue cognitive-behavioral therapy and start a short-term anxiolytic medication that also has muscle-relaxant and anticonvulsant properties.  Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of this medication?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Benzodiazepines bind GABA A receptors, resulting in an increased frequency of chloride channel opening in the presence of GABA.  Indications for prescribing include short-term treatment of anxiety disorders and alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

A 27-Year-Old Man Comes to the Emergency Department with Palpitations