What are SSRIs primarily used to treat?

SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are primarily used to treat depression and anxiety because they work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help regulate mood and emotional response. This makes SSRIs effective in alleviating symptoms of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

While SSRIs can also have some efficacy in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, they are not primarily known for this use, and their primary designation is indeed for depression and anxiety disorders. Schizophrenia and personality disorders typically require different types of treatments, such as antipsychotic medications or psychotherapy, which makes SSRIs unsuitable for these conditions. Thus, the primary focus of SSRIs on mood and anxiety issues underscores their categorization within the treatment paradigm.