ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the biochemical effects of anxiolytic drugs to determine whether significant common mechanisms can be found. Since anxiety and fear can be observed and/or experienced on a number of dimensions of cognition, behavior, physiology, and feeling, these dimensions largely determine how the emotions are defined. The effects of opiates on anxiety and fear have long been noted and utilized in medical practice. The major groups of anxiolytic drugs produce some tolerance and are associated with increased anxiety or spontaneous panic attacks after prolonged drug treatment and withdrawal. The pharmacological model for common effects of the major class of anxiolytics on noradrenergic system function is consistent with a large body of data from animal studies. The chapter provides a rational basis for deciding under what circumstances and with which patients anxiolytic drugs might be helpful.
