🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed a medication that enhances the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening. Which class of drugs does this describe?

A Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
B Benzodiazepines
C Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
D Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Benzodiazepines act on GABA-A receptors, increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening. This enhances GABA's inhibitory effect, leading to central nervous system depression, muscle relaxation, and anxiolysis.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed a medication that enhances the inhibitory effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening. Which class of drugs does this describe?" is Option B: Benzodiazepines.

The other options — A) Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), C) Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), D) Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: Benzodiazepines act on GABA-A receptors, increasing the frequency of chloride channel opening. This enhances GABA's inhibitory effect, leading to central nervous system depression, muscle relaxation,…

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

This 3-level USMLE Exam Prep question from the Step 1 – Basic Sciences topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free USMLE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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