Which medication is commonly used to treat the somatic symptoms associated with anxiety?

Beta-blockers are commonly used to treat the somatic symptoms associated with anxiety, particularly those that manifest physically, such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and tremors. These symptoms are commonly experienced during anxiety-provoking situations, such as public speaking or performance anxiety. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on the body's beta receptors, which helps to alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety without directly addressing the underlying psychological aspects.

While benzodiazepines are effective for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms and antidepressants can address general anxiety disorders, they often do not specifically target the somatic symptoms. Hormonal agents are not primarily used for anxiety and instead have different applications, such as hormonal imbalances or conditions related to hormone levels. Therefore, beta-blockers uniquely serve the purpose of mitigating the physical symptoms associated with anxiety, making them the most relevant choice in this context.