Benzodiazepines: it's time to return to the evidence

Br J Psychiatry. 2021 Mar;218(3):125-127. doi: 10.1192/bjp.2020.164.

Abstract

We propose that discussions of benzodiazepines in the current psychiatric literature have become negatively biased and have strayed from the scientific evidence base. We advocate returning to the evidence in discussing benzodiazepines and adhering to clear definitions and conceptual rigour in commentary about them.

Keywords: Anti-anxiety drugs; anxiety disorders; comorbidity; drug interactions and side-effects; drugs of dependence.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Benzodiazepines / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Substance-Related Disorders* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Benzodiazepines