What condition are SNRIs commonly indicated for?

SNRIs, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, are primarily indicated for conditions that involve depression and anxiety disorders, making generalized anxiety disorder a key condition for their use. These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, neurotransmitters that play significant roles in regulating mood and anxiety.

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about various facets of daily life, which SNRIs can help alleviate by stabilizing mood and reducing anxiety symptoms. While other conditions such as social anxiety disorder and OCD can also be treated with SNRIs, their most common and recognized indication in clinical practice is for generalized anxiety disorder.

Additionally, schizophrenia is typically treated with antipsychotic medications rather than SNRIs, as it requires a different approach due to the nature of the condition.