What are SSRIs primarily used to treat?

SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders because of their mechanism of action, which focuses on increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. By inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at the synaptic cleft, SSRIs help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

In the context of mental health, SSRIs have been well-studied and are widely prescribed due to their efficacy and relatively favorable side effect profile compared to older classes of antidepressants. They are commonly used for conditions such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, making them a cornerstone treatment option in psychiatry.

Other options, such as chronic pain or hypertension, do have their own specific treatment protocols that do not typically involve SSRIs as a first-line therapy, and while sleep disorders can be associated with depression and anxiety, they are not the primary focus of SSRIs. Thus, the correct answer highlights the main therapeutic applications of SSRIs in the realm of mental health.