GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It counteracts the effects of glutamate by allowing chloride ions to pass through postsynaptic neurons, making them less responsive to excitatory signals. This gives GABA a calming effect on the brain. People with phobic disorders may have GABA deficiencies due to stress, diet, caffeine, or drugs like cocaine. Benzodiazepines mimic GABA's effects, allowing more chloride ions into postsynaptic neurons and calming overly active physiological responses caused by phobic stimuli, similar to how alcohol works.

1. GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric acid)
• Is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitters in the C.N.S
• Counteracts the effects of Glutamate
• Via the uptake of negatively charged chloride ions to pass
through the postsynaptic neuron.
• Hence post synaptic neuron – less responsive to excitatory
neurotransmitters
• Thus GABA has a sedative (tranquilising effect) on the
brain

2. Dysfunctional GABA system
• Normally GABA inhibits physiological responses to an
anxiety producing stimulus
• People with a predisposition to phobic disorders have a
GABA deficiency (reduced levels of GABA)
• This could be due to over-exposure to stress, poor diet,
excessive caffeine, consumption of psychadelic drugs (e.g.
cocaine)

3. Benzodiazepenes
• Benzodiazepene is a sedative
that can be taken to provide a
calming effect
• Thus having an agonistic
effect by imitating the action
of GABA thus inhibiting an
overly active physiological
response caused by exposure
to phobic stimulus.
• By allowing more negatively
charged chloride ions to enter
the postsynaptic neuron
• Similar affect to alcohol