Which medication is specifically noted for treating generalized anxiety disorder?

The effective treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often incorporates medications that target the underlying anxiety symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have strong evidence supporting their use for GAD due to their influence on serotonin levels in the brain, which can help alleviate anxiety symptoms.

While benzodiazepines are sometimes used to provide short-term relief for anxiety, they pose risks such as dependence and are generally not recommended for long-term management of GAD. SSRIs, on the other hand, are considered first-line agents specifically for long-term treatment of GAD because they improve mood and anxiety without the addiction potential associated with benzodiazepines.

In summary, SSRIs are the preferred choice for treating generalized anxiety disorder, making them an appropriate selection for this question.