What condition is buspirone primarily indicated to treat?

Buspirone is primarily indicated for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Unlike benzodiazepines, which are often prescribed for acute anxiety relief but can lead to dependence, buspirone serves as an anxiolytic that is effective for chronic anxiety management without the same risk of dependency.

Buspirone works primarily as a serotonin receptor agonist, particularly targeting 5-HT1A receptors, and also exhibits some activity at dopamine receptors. This mechanism of action helps to alleviate excess worry and anxiety that characterizes GAD, making it a suitable choice for patients who require long-term treatment.

While it may be used in broader contexts, such as adjunctive therapy for other anxiety disorders, its main indication remains GAD. This recognition informs clinical decisions, allowing practitioners to choose buspirone for patients who present with the chronic nature of generalized anxiety, while considering other treatments for more specific anxiety presentations like social anxiety disorder or panic disorder, which may respond better to different medications.