[Benzodiazepines--quality assurance of prescriptions in own general practice]

Even if benzodiazepines are recommended for short-term use, they are prescribed for years. Doctors often feel uncomfortable about this.

In this audit the prescription of benzodiazepines by one general practitioner was studied on the basis of the medical records, a mailed questionnaire to patients, and special benzodiazepine consultations which included diagnostic assessment. 17 long-term benzodiazepine users were given a follow-up which included general information, personal advice and alternative treatment aimed at discontinuing their use of benzodiazepines.

76 out of 754 patients had received prescriptions for a benzodiazepine during the previous three years. The questionnaire was completed by 63 patients. The results revealed that the treatment had originally been initiated by a general practitioner in 78% of the cases, most commonly for anxiety (40%), sleeping difficulties (23%), or depression (10%). Their doctor had previously suggested benzodiazepine withdrawal in 46% of the patients. One third were long-term users. 46% of these had used this medication more than ten years; 90% suffered from chronic illness. After 17 months, 47% of the patients had stopped using benzodiazepines while another 29% used significantly less than before.

A broad and individually tailored intervention towards patients in general practice may be a useful tool in reducing long-term use of benzodiazepines.