Anxiety is an adaptive, emotional response that naturally occurs as a result of a perceived threat, without which individual survival would be impossible. However, it can become a problem when it occurs excessively or inappropriately and keeps the affected individual from leading a normal life [1],[2]. Anxiety can refer to several disorders:

 - Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

 - Panic disorder;

 - Social anxiety disorder (SAD);

 - Specific phobias;

 - Separation anxiety disorder;

 - Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD);

 - Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

OCD and PTSD make up the two most common psychiatric conditions in the U.S. [3]. 

Anxiety disorders can be treated with psychotherapy, drugs, or both. The medications used depend on the specific condition and its severity. The most common pharmacological groups are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), MAO inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) [1]. The limited response rates, as well as the adverse effects accompanying these therapies [4],[5], are pushing the scientific community to develop novel pharmaceutical treatments for the management of anxiety.