Which term refers to non-narcotic depressants used for anxiety relief?

• A. Tranquilizers
• B. Barbiturates
• C. Sedatives
• D. Hypnotics

Answer: (A)

Tranquilizers are the non-narcotic depressants specifically used to relieve anxiety by producing a calming, mentally soothing effect. They dial down excessive nervous activity without primarily pushing you to sleep, which is why they’re chosen when the goal is anxiety relief rather than sedation or sedation-to-sleep. In contrast, sedatives are broad calmatives, hypnotics are aimed at inducing sleep, and barbiturates are a class of depressants that can function as either sedatives or hypnotics but aren’t defined by anxiety relief. Thus, tranquilizers best fit the description of non-narcotic depressants used for anxiety relief.