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

Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders due to their ability to act as central nervous system depressants, enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor. This enhances inhibitory neural activity, leading to a calming effect, reduction of excessive neuronal firing, and resulting in decreased anxiety, agitation, and panic attacks. They are particularly effective for short-term management of acute anxiety symptoms due to their rapid onset of action.

While antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are often used for long-term management of anxiety disorders, they take weeks to achieve therapeutic effects and are not the first-line treatment for immediate anxiety relief. Antipsychotics are generally used to manage conditions such as schizophrenia or severe mood disorders and are not typically indicated for anxiety. Stimulants are used primarily for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions where increasing neuronal activity is beneficial, which is counterproductive in managing anxiety.