What class of drugs is primarily used to enhance GABA for the relaxation response in treating anxiety disorders?

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that primarily enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in reducing neuronal excitability throughout the nervous system. By increasing GABA's inhibitory effects, benzodiazepines effectively promote a calming effect, which is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing anxiety disorders.

These medications function by binding to GABA-A receptors, facilitating the opening of chloride channels, and leading to hyperpolarization of the neuron, which diminishes anxiety and often produces a sedative effect, making benzodiazepines suitable for the short-term management of anxiety. This action is significantly more direct and pronounced than that of other classes of drugs typically used in psychiatric treatment, such as SSRIs, which primarily affect serotonin levels, or barbiturates, which are less commonly used due to their risk of dependence and overdose. Typical antipsychotics, on the other hand, target dopamine receptors and are not primarily indicated for anxiety disorders. Thus, benzodiazepines are specifically recognized for their effectiveness in enhancing GABA to alleviate symptoms of anxiety.