Which medication type is typically used to manage anxiety disorders?

Anxiolytics are the medication type specifically designed to manage anxiety disorders. These medications work by enhancing the effect of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which produces a calming effect and helps to reduce feelings of anxiety. Common examples of anxiolytics include benzodiazepines such as diazepam and lorazepam.

While antidepressants can also be effective in managing anxiety, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), they are primarily used for depression and may take longer to show effects for anxiety compared to the immediate relief often provided by anxiolytics. Antipsychotics may be used to treat specific conditions but are not first-line treatments for anxiety disorders. Stimulants are primarily prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and can potentially increase anxiety in some patients, making them unsuitable for treating anxiety disorders. Thus, the use of anxiolytics is considered the most direct and effective approach to managing symptoms of anxiety.