What type of symptoms do anti-anxiety medications alleviate?

Anti-anxiety medications are primarily designed to alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, which include conditions such as social phobias. These medications, such as benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), work by altering the brain's chemistry to help reduce feelings of anxiety, panic, and fear, making it easier for individuals to engage in social situations.

When treating social phobias specifically, these medications can help decrease the intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings, allowing individuals to function more normally in social interactions and reducing avoidance behaviors. Thus, the primary focus of anti-anxiety medications is on anxiety symptoms, making this answer the most accurate choice in the context of the question.

In contrast, digestive problems, chronic pain, and allergic reactions are not directly managed by anti-anxiety medications, as they require different types of treatment tailored to their specific underlying causes and symptoms.