Final answer:
Benzodiazepines are preferred over SSRIs for the treatment of anxiety disorders due to their rapid action in relieving symptoms, particularly in acute anxiety situations, although they require caution due to the risk of dependency and withdrawal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Benzodiazepines are often preferred over selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of anxiety disorders mainly due to their rapid onset of action. Benzodiazepines, such as Alprazolam (Xanax) and Lorazepam (Ativan), are central nervous system depressants with effects including sedation, muscle relaxation, decreased anxiety, and anticonvulsant activity. They mitigate symptoms of panic attacks and can offer immediate relief. SSRIs like sertraline (Zoloft) take longer to show efficacy, usually several weeks, and are more commonly used to treat depression. In some cases, benzodiazepines are used in tandem with SSRIs to manage anxiety symptoms during the SSRIs' latency period. However, it is crucial to monitor for potential adverse effects, including dependency and withdrawal symptoms, associated with long-term benzodiazepine use.