Which substance facilitates and enhances the action of GABA?

Study for the ETS Psychology Test. Improve your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The substance that facilitates and enhances the action of GABA is accurately identified as anxiolytics. Anxiolytics, commonly referred to as anti-anxiety medications, often include benzodiazepines, which work by amplifying the effect of GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. By enhancing GABA's action, these substances promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and can aid in calming hyperactive neural pathways.

In contrast, while sedatives also depress the central nervous system and may influence GABA receptors, the most direct relationship in enhancing GABA functioning is seen with anxiolytics. Stimulants, on the other hand, generally increase the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine rather than affecting GABA. Hallucinogens alter perception and cognition through different pathways and do not typically enhance GABA's action.

Thus, the accurate choice regarding the substance that facilitates GABA's action is anxiolytics due to their designed pharmacological effects on this particular neurotransmitter system.

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