What do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) primarily treat?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are primarily used to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in mood regulation, thus helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and improve overall mood. SSRIs are effective for various anxiety-related conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

While some other options, like epilepsy or chronic pain, may involve medication management, they are not primarily treated with SSRIs. For example, epilepsy is typically managed with anticonvulsants, and chronic pain usually requires a different class of medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids. Hypertension is treated with antihypertensive medications like diuretics or beta-blockers. Therefore, while SSRIs have a specific therapeutic focus on anxiety disorders, other conditions require different treatment approaches.