Which drug class is primarily used to reduce anxiety?

Benzodiazepines are primarily used to reduce anxiety due to their ability to enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. By acting on GABA-A receptors, benzodiazepines produce a calming effect, which is particularly beneficial for patients experiencing acute anxiety or panic attacks. They work quickly, often within minutes to hours, providing rapid anxiety relief, making them effective for short-term management of anxiety disorders.

In contrast, beta-blockers primarily address physical symptoms of anxiety, such as palpitations and tremors, by blocking the effects of adrenaline, but do not address the psychological aspects. Antipsychotics are used to manage psychosis and mood disorders rather than anxiety specifically. Stimulants are typically employed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and can actually increase anxiety rather than alleviate it. Thus, benzodiazepines are the preferred class for directly managing anxiety symptoms.