Anxiety medications cannot cure anxiety. They can, however, help control symptoms and allow you to function better in your daily life. These medications can be prescribed by a physician, typically through a psychiatrist, family physician, pediatrician or OB-GYN. Some states allow nurse practitioners to prescribe them, as well.

If a GP concludes that medication would help, they can prescribe some medications directly, or give a referral to a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists often prescribe antidepressants, but the vast majority (86 per cent) in Australia are prescribed and managed by GPs.