Which of the following medications is specifically known for treating major depression and anxiety?

The choice of atypical antidepressants as the correct answer focuses on their broad application in treating major depression and anxiety disorders. Atypical antidepressants, a class that includes medications like bupropion and mirtazapine, are designed to address depressive symptoms while also providing anxiolytic effects. They modulate neurotransmitter systems differently than traditional antidepressants, which allows them to be effective for both major depression and anxiety that often co-occurs with it.

In contrast, aripiprazole is an antipsychotic that may be used adjunctively in depression treatment but is not primarily an antidepressant. Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that is effective as an antidepressant but is less commonly used due to dietary restrictions and side effects. Fluoxetine, while a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat major depression and anxiety, is a specific type of antidepressant rather than a representative of the broader class of atypical antidepressants. Therefore, while fluoxetine is effective for these conditions, atypical antidepressants encompass a wider mechanism and clinical use, making them a notable choice for treating both major depression and anxiety.