Anxiety Treatment: Drugs

There are three classes of drugs used to treat anxiety disorders: anti-depressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. Anti-depressants balance hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain, affecting serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels.

Benzodiazepines affect areas of the brain that control emotional reactions, memory, thinking, consciousness, and coordination.

They are prescribed for shorter periods of time. Beta blockers are sometimes prescribed for anxiety disorders.

They keep physical symptoms under control and are often used for people with social disorders. How is the correct drug treatment chosen for an anxiety disorder patient? What alternative therapies are recommended for anxiety disorder?