Question

The textbook suggests that ______ are the medications MOST often prescribed for the treatment of panic disorder.

a. Mood stabilizers
b. Antidepressants
c. Benzodiazepines
d. Antipsychotics

Answer 1

The textbook suggests that antidepressants are the medications MOST often prescribed for the treatment of panic disorder.

Answer 2

Benzodiazepines, such as Alprazolam, Diazepam, and Lorazepam, are most commonly prescribed for the treatment of panic disorder due to their calming effects and capacity to reduce anxiety.

Step-by-step explanation:

The textbook suggests that benzodiazepines are the medications MOST often prescribed for the treatment of panic disorder. Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety agents that reduce the symptoms of anxiety, which include panic attacks as well as extreme fear and worry. Examples of benzodiazepines include Alprazolam (Xanax), Diazepam (Valium), and Lorazepam (Ativan). They are known to cause calming effects including sedation, hypnosis, decreased anxiety, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant activity.

While benzodiazepines are specifically prescribed to quell panic attacks, antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also used for their anxiolytic properties. SSRIs, including medications like Fluoxetine (Prozac) and Sertraline (Zoloft), often take a while to become fully effective, during which time a benzodiazepine may be prescribed concurrently for immediate relief.

Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is c. Benzodiazepines.