What is a primary use for SNRIs?

SNRIs, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, are primarily used to treat anxiety disorders among other conditions. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, neurotransmitters that are often imbalanced in individuals suffering from anxiety. By enhancing these neurotransmitter levels, SNRIs can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, making them a suitable treatment option for various anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder.

In contrast, while obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be treated with certain SSRIs or specific therapy approaches, SNRIs are not first-line treatments for OCD. Similarly, schizophrenia typically involves antipsychotic medications, not SNRIs. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is usually managed with stimulants or specific non-stimulant medications, suggesting that SNRIs are not primarily indicated for this condition. Thus, the use of SNRIs for anxiety disorders aligns closely with their pharmacological mechanism and therapeutic goal.