Anti-anxiety Drugs
Definition
Anti-anxiety drugs, also known as anxiolytics, are medications that help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks or extreme fear and worry. They work by slowing down the central nervous system.
Analogy
Consider anti-anxiety drugs like a calming blanket for your brain. Just as a weighted blanket provides soothing pressure to help you relax and sleep, these medications slow down brain activity to help reduce anxiety.
Related terms
Benzodiazepines: A class of anti-anxiety drugs that includes Xanax and Valium. They enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain.
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): A neurotransmitter in the brain that inhibits or slows down brain signals, helping to calm anxiety.
Panic Disorder: An anxiety disorder characterized by recurring severe panic attacks. It may also include significant behavioral changes lasting at least a month and ongoing worry about having other attacks.
"Anti-anxiety Drugs" appears in:
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.