Which medication class is often prescribed for anxiety disorders?

Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed for anxiety disorders due to their rapid onset of action and effectiveness in providing relief from acute anxiety symptoms. This class of medications works by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, resulting in a calming effect. This mechanism helps reduce feelings of tension and promotes relaxation, making benzodiazepines useful for short-term management of anxiety.

While other classes like antidepressants are also used for anxiety, particularly in long-term treatment (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), benzodiazepines are predominantly recognized for their immediate anxiolytic effects. Beta-blockers can be employed for situational anxiety, particularly to mitigate physical symptoms like palpitations, but they do not directly address the underlying psychological aspects of anxiety disorders. Opioids are not indicated for anxiety management and can lead to dependency and other severe side effects. Hence, benzodiazepines stand out as a primary class for treating anxiety disorders.