Which type of drug is used to treat anxiety disorders?

Anti-anxiety medications are specifically designed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders. They work by targeting the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood and anxiety levels, often producing a calming effect. Common examples include benzodiazepines, which provide rapid relief of anxiety symptoms, and buspirone, which can be used for longer-term management. This category of medications focuses primarily on issues of anxiety, making them the most appropriate choice for treating anxiety disorders.

In contrast, antipsychotics are primarily used for managing symptoms of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, and are not the first line of treatment for anxiety. Antidepressants can sometimes be effective for anxiety as some types, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are used to treat both anxiety and depression; however, they are not specifically classified as anti-anxiety medications. Corticosteroids, while they have anti-inflammatory effects, do not have a direct role in the treatment of anxiety disorders and can even exacerbate anxiety in some cases.