Which medication class is often prescribed to manage anxiety disorders?

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to manage anxiety disorders due to their effectiveness in increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation. By inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, SSRIs help improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms over time. This class of medication has been well-studied and is often favored for its favorable side effect profile compared to older anxiolytic medications, such as benzodiazepines, making them suitable for long-term management of anxiety.

SSRIs are particularly effective for disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, providing a gradual improvement in anxiety symptoms rather than immediate relief. The mechanism of SSRIs leads to not only a reduction in anxiety but also an improvement in overall mental health, making them a cornerstone in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Some other classes of medications, while they have their uses, are either not primarily indicated for anxiety disorders or may not address the underlying neurochemical imbalances as effectively as SSRIs.