Drugs to combat stress have ‘serious side effects’

-

Medicating the problem of stress may not help, one expert has revealed.Stress-relieving medication does not solve problems, according to one organisation.

The International Stress Management Association UK has said that the causes of stress should be tackled, rather than giving sufferers “brain chemistry altering drugs”.

Chair Ann McCracken explained that the problem can be due to a mixture of negative thinking patterns, events and circumstances and suggested that a change in self-awareness could be a cure.

“It brings the control within the individual, allowing them to make long-term, even lasting changes, which affect their health and wellbeing, including blood pressure, skin problems, anxiety, depression, headaches et cetera,” she commented.

HRreview Logo

Get our essential weekday HR news and updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Keep up with the latest in HR...
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Optin_date
This field is hidden when viewing the form

 

The Daily Mail revealed recently that a ‘stress vaccine’ was in development by US professor of neuroscience Dr Robert Sapolsky, but Ms McCracken advised people against medicating the problem with new or traditional drugs.

She warned that there could be severe side effects, with some individuals becoming addicted.

Ms McCracken also said that relaxation therapies were likely to be ineffective as they were unfocused.

Posted by Colette Paxton 



Latest news

Curtis Holmes: Payroll is the driver for employee engagement

Payroll has long been treated as a back-office necessity: essential, but not something that shapes culture or drives engagement. This no longer stands.

Labour market yet to show major AI impact on jobs, govt adviser says

A government economic adviser has challenged predictions of widespread AI-driven unemployment, arguing labour market data has yet to show disruption.

Young workers ‘pressured into signing NDAs after workplace injuries’

Workers say injuries are being hidden behind confidentiality agreements while financial pressures leave many afraid to challenge unsafe conditions.

CIPD recognises 30 HR leaders driving change across UK workplaces

The CIPD has unveiled its HR30 list for 2026, recognising senior people leaders whose work has delivered measurable impact across organisations and workforces.
- Advertisement -

Brits dream of being their own boss, but still cling to the monthly pay cheque, survey reveals

Britons say they like the idea of self-employment, but most still value the security and stability of traditional jobs.

AI Coaching Won’t Replace Managers. It Will Expose Coaching Debt.

As AI coaching expands, employers may gain a clearer view of where manager support is falling short.

Must read

Neal Stone: Lord Young’s review of health, safety and compensation

The report by Lord Young to the Prime Minister...

Jo Sellick: Business leaders must set an example to boost employee engagement

Leading by example should be a priority for HR managers looking to integrate an employee engagement strategy and give staff a voice. Jo Sellick from Sellick Partnership discusses more.
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you