Although psychotherapy is considered to be the first choice in the treatment of anxiety disorders, in some cases medications can also be used. This is especially true if the affected persons are so severely impaired that psychotherapy in the first step is not possible or psychotherapy has not shown the desired success. In general, antidepressants are used to reduce anxiety and phobias, and to improve the mood of those affected relatively quickly. Benzodiazepines, also known as sedatives, offer another possibility. They can quickly resolve anxiety, but they are not a permanent solution and do not cure anxiety disorder. Medications are only given as part of a treatment and should never be taken without medical supervision.