What type of medication is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders?

Anxiolytics are primarily used to treat anxiety disorders because they are specifically designed to reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as excessive worry, tension, and agitation. These medications, which include benzodiazepines like diazepam and lorazepam, work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, leading to a calming effect.

This calming effect is particularly effective for individuals experiencing acute anxiety episodes or chronic anxiety disorders. While other classes of medications, such as antidepressants, may also be used to help manage anxiety, particularly for generalized anxiety disorder or long-term treatment, anxiolytics are the most direct approach for immediate relief of anxiety symptoms.

Antipsychotics are primarily used for managing psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, and stimulants are primarily indicated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and certain sleep disorders. Hence, the targeted action of anxiolytics makes them the preferred choice for treating anxiety disorders.