What is the usual initial treatment for a patient experiencing severe anxiety in an emergency setting?

In an emergency setting, the primary focus is to alleviate acute distress and reduce severe anxiety symptoms quickly. Benzodiazepines are commonly used for this purpose because they act rapidly to provide relief from anxiety by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which has an inhibitory effect on the nervous system. This leads to a calming effect on the patient, making it more manageable for them in a crisis situation.

Long-term psychotherapy and SSRIs, while beneficial for chronic anxiety disorders, are not appropriate for immediate relief since they require time to take effect and are not typically utilized in acute settings. Antipsychotics are primarily used for conditions like schizophrenia or severe mood disorders and are not first-line treatments for anxiety. Thus, the use of benzodiazepines stands out as the most effective option for promptly addressing severe anxiety symptoms in an emergency context.