What class of drugs is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders?

Anxiolytics are specifically designed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders. This class of drugs, which includes benzodiazepines and buspirone, acts by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), leading to a calming effect on the brain and central nervous system. They are effective for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.

In contrast, while antidepressants can also be used for anxiety disorders—particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) that may help in treating longer-term anxiety—they are primarily designed to treat depression and may take several weeks to show their full effect. Stimulants are typically used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and can increase anxiety in some individuals, and antipsychotics are used primarily for psychotic disorders or mood stabilization, not primarily for anxiety disorders. Therefore, anxiolytics are the most direct and commonly prescribed class of drugs for the treatment of anxiety.