Which medication class is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders?

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders due to their tranquilizing effects. They work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, leading to a reduction in neuronal excitability. This mechanism results in a calming effect that can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety quickly, making benzodiazepines particularly useful for short-term management of anxiety or panic attacks.

While antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are also used long-term for anxiety management, they typically take several weeks to achieve their full effect. This delayed onset makes benzodiazepines more favorable for immediate relief. Antipsychotics are primarily used to manage conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and stimulants are generally prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), not anxiety. Therefore, for immediate and effective treatment of anxiety disorders, benzodiazepines are often the medication of choice.