Pharmacological Management of Anxiety Disorders: A Review of Current Drugs, Limitations and Emerging Therapies
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Anxiety disorders are common mental health problems that can affect a person's daily life, work, studies, and relationships. Medicines are widely used to manage anxiety symptoms, but some patients do not get complete relief, and some medicines may cause unwanted side effects. This review paper discusses the current medicines used to treat anxiety disorders and the new treatments being studied. Common medicines include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), benzodiazepines, busiprone, and other anti-anxiety drugs. The review also discusses new treatment approaches that target different brain chemicals, such as serotonin, glutamate, and GABA, along with neuropeptides, cannabinoids, and herbal medicines. The findings show that some existing medicines are helpful, but they may not work equally well for every patient. Research on new medicines has shown mixed results, and more clinical studies are needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness. In conclusion, further research is important to develop safer and more effective treatments for anxiety disorders and to improve patients' quality of life.
Authors: Sneha Bankar, Vaishnavi Shelke, Rohit Jadhav
Language: English
Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7223578122