What is commonly used to treat short-term symptoms of anxiety?

Short-acting benzodiazepines and beta-blockers are commonly employed to address short-term symptoms of anxiety due to their rapid onset of action and efficacy in alleviating acute anxiety symptoms. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, work quickly to enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), leading to a calming effect on the central nervous system. This makes them particularly useful for situations where immediate relief from anxiety is required, such as during panic attacks or high-stress events.

Beta-blockers, while traditionally used to manage cardiovascular conditions, are able to reduce the physical symptoms associated with anxiety—such as increased heart rate and tremors—by blocking the effects of adrenaline. They can be effective for performance anxiety and other situations where a rapid reduction in anxiety-related physical symptoms is desired.

Other options, such as long-acting antidepressants and SSRIs, are primarily used for long-term management of anxiety disorders. These medications often take several weeks to achieve therapeutic effects and are not suitable for managing immediate psychosocial crises or acute anxiety symptoms. Selective stimulants have a different mechanism of action and are typically used for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), not anxiety