Which term is used to describe medications designed to reduce anxiety?

Which term is used to describe medications designed to reduce anxiety?

• A. Analgesics
• B. Antibiotics
• C. Anxiolytics
• D. Antidepressants

Answer: (C)

Medications designed to reduce anxiety are called anxiolytics. They’re prescribed to lessen excessive worry, fear, and their physical symptoms, helping people function more normally. Anxiolytics work by dampening nervous system activity, often by enhancing GABA signaling, and include drugs like benzodiazepines as well as non-benzodiazepine options such as buspirone. While analgesics relieve pain, antibiotics treat infections, and antidepressants can improve mood (and may help some anxiety symptoms), the term that directly describes anxiety-reducing drugs is anxiolytics.

Medications designed to reduce anxiety are called anxiolytics. They’re prescribed to lessen excessive worry, fear, and their physical symptoms, helping people function more normally. Anxiolytics work by dampening nervous system activity, often by enhancing GABA signaling, and include drugs like benzodiazepines as well as non-benzodiazepine options such as buspirone. While analgesics relieve pain, antibiotics treat infections, and antidepressants can improve mood (and may help some anxiety symptoms), the term that directly describes anxiety-reducing drugs is anxiolytics.