Which category of medications is used to reduce anxiety symptoms?

Antianxiety medications, also known as anxiolytics, are specifically designed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. These medications work by influencing neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to create a calming effect. They are commonly prescribed for conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and other anxiety-related disorders.

By targeting the underlying mechanisms of anxiety, antianxiety medications can provide relief from excessive worry, nervousness, and panic attacks, thus effectively reducing the symptoms experienced by individuals.

The other types of medications listed serve different purposes. Antipsychotic medications are primarily used to treat mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, while antidepressant medications are aimed at alleviating symptoms of depression but can also have effects on anxiety. Stimulant medications are utilized to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and can sometimes increase anxiety symptoms rather than reduce them. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why antianxiety medications are the appropriate choice for addressing anxiety symptoms specifically.