Long-term outcome of two forms of randomised benzodiazepine discontinuation

Br J Psychiatry. 2006 Feb:188:188-9. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.105.012039.

Abstract

About two-thirds of long-term users of benzodiazepines in the population are able to discontinue this drug with the aid of supervised programmes for tapering off. Little is known about the long-term outcome of such programmes, and they have never been compared with usual care. After a 15-month follow-up of a randomised controlled trial comparing such a programme with and without psychotherapy with usual care, we found significantly higher longitudinal abstinence rates in long-term benzodiazepine users who received a benzodiazepine tapering-off programme without psychotherapy (25 out of 69, 36%) compared with those who received usual care (5 out of 33,15%; P=0.03).

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Benzodiazepines / administration & dosage*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Benzodiazepines