Mental Health Technician Certification (AMCA) Practice Test

Which class of drugs is commonly prescribed for cardiac arrhythmias but also effective for social phobias?

1. Beta Blockers

2. Antidepressants

3. Stimulants

4. Antipsychotics

The correct answer is: Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are commonly prescribed medications that primarily address cardiac conditions, including cardiac arrhythmias. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, leading to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. This mechanism makes them effective in managing physical symptoms associated with anxiety, such as palpitations and sweatiness, which can occur during social interactions, making them beneficial for individuals with social phobia. In addition to their cardiovascular applications, beta blockers are often utilized off-label to help mitigate the anxiety symptoms that are characteristic of social phobias. This dual functionality—treating both cardiac issues and anxiety symptoms—highlights their unique role in the management of certain psychological conditions. While other classes of medications, such as antidepressants, are more commonly recognized for treating anxiety, beta blockers provide a specific benefit in situations where physical symptoms of anxiety are prominent during social interactions.