Which medication class is primarily used to manage anxiety disorders?

The correct choice focuses on antianxiety agents, which are specifically designed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders. These medications work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has calming effects that reduce feelings of anxiety and tension. Examples of antianxiety agents include benzodiazepines, like diazepam and lorazepam, and non-benzodiazepine medications, such as buspirone. This targeted mechanism allows antianxiety agents to be particularly effective for conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

In contrast, other categories of medications serve different primary purposes. Antidepressants, while sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders, primarily target symptoms of depression and have a different mechanism of action, generally focusing on serotonin or norepinephrine pathways. Analgesics specifically aim to relieve pain, which is unrelated to anxiety management. Stimulants are employed to increase alertness and attention and are typically prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and similar conditions, not for alleviating anxiety symptoms. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective treatment and management of anxiety disorders.