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Comparison of Long-Term Benzodiazepine Users in Three Settings

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

C. J. Hawley ,
M. Tattersall ,
C. Dellaportas  and
C. Hallstrom
C. J. Hawley*
Affiliation:
Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Welwyn Garden City, Herts
M. Tattersall
Affiliation:
Kingston Hospital, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey
C. Dellaportas
Affiliation:
Cassidy Road Health Centre, London
C. Hallstrom
Affiliation:
Riverside Mental Health Unit, Charing Cross Hospital, London
*
Dr C. J. Hawley, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Howlands, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire AL7 4HQ
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Abstract

Background

Most studies of chronic benzodiazepine users consider selected populations which may be unrepresentative. This study was undertaken to examine possible differences between groups.

Method

Subjects chosen were benzodiazepine users in general practice, a hospital clinic, and attending TRANX trials. Descriptive data were collected on characteristics and outcome.

Results

RANX trial patients had the best outcome (P = 0.027). Hospital cases used high doses of anxiolytic benzodiazepines; concomitant mental disorder, including schizophrenia, was common. General practice cases were older and mainly used hypnotics (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Because groups of benzodiazepine users are different, there cannot be one single management approach. Cases require individual medical assessment.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 165 , Issue 6 , December 1994 , pp. 792 - 796
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1994 

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