How do tranquilizers affect neural communication and behaviour?

Tranquilisers reduce neural communication, leading to decreased anxiety, sedation, and altered behaviour.

Tranquilisers, also known as depressants, are drugs that slow down the activity of the central nervous system (CNS). They work by increasing the activity of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it reduces the activity of neurons. When GABA binds to its receptors on the neuron, it opens channels for negatively charged chloride ions to enter the neuron. This makes the inside of the neuron more negative, making it harder for the neuron to generate an action potential, thus reducing neural communication.

The reduction in neural communication leads to a decrease in anxiety and a sedative effect. This is because tranquilisers reduce the activity of the areas of the brain responsible for arousal and stimulation. As a result, the person taking the tranquiliser may feel relaxed, calm, and less anxious. This can also lead to changes in behaviour, such as decreased aggression and increased sociability.

However, the effects of tranquilisers are not limited to reducing anxiety and inducing sedation. They can also impair cognitive and motor functions. This is because these drugs also affect other areas of the brain that are involved in thinking, learning, memory, and coordination. For example, benzodiazepines, a type of tranquiliser, can cause confusion, drowsiness, and unsteadiness.

Moreover, long-term use of tranquilisers can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. This is because the brain adapts to the presence of the drug and may function less efficiently without it. Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia, which are the opposite effects of the drug.

In conclusion, tranquilisers affect neural communication by increasing the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which reduces the activity of neurons. This leads to decreased anxiety, sedation, and changes in behaviour. However, these drugs can also impair cognitive and motor functions and can lead to physical dependence with long-term use.