Benzodiazepines (BDZs) bind to the gamma sub-unit of the GABA-A receptor. Their binding causes an allosteric (structural) modification of the receptor that results in an increase in GABA A receptor activity. BDZs do not substitute for GABA, which bind at the alpha sub-unit, but increase the frequency of channel opening events which leads to an increase in chloride ion conductance and inhibition of the action potential.1
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Physical health and mental disorders are closely linked, with mental–physical comorbidity posing a major global public health and equity challenge.
Across mental disorders, physical comorbidities commonly affect multiple organ systems, most notably cardiometabolic and respiratory systems.
Actions to address physical–mental comorbidity.