Related Experiment Videos
[Developing an Instrument evaluating expectations related to benzodiazepine withdrawal]
Lynda Bélanger1, Kieron P O'connor, François Harel
1Ecole de psychologie, Université Laval.
Sante Mentale Au Quebec
|October 8, 2004
Summary
Discontinuing benzodiazepine (BZD) medication is challenging, with high relapse rates. This study found that positive expectations significantly improve the chances of successfully stopping BZD use.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Benzodiazepine (BZD) discontinuation is frequently associated with high relapse rates.
- The psychological factors influencing successful BZD withdrawal remain poorly understood.
- Previous research has not empirically investigated the impact of patient expectations on BZD withdrawal outcomes.
Purpose:
- To develop and validate an instrument for assessing personal expectations regarding benzodiazepine discontinuation in individuals with anxiety.
- To examine the relationship between these expectations and the success or failure of withdrawal attempts.
Summary:
- An instrument was developed to assess expectations about stopping benzodiazepine (BZD) medication in anxiety patients.
- Preliminary data from 26 items indicated that 8 items, including those related to nervousness, cognitive function, and mood, differentiated between successful and failed withdrawal attempts.
- Participants who successfully discontinued BZD use reported significantly more positive expectations compared to those who failed.
Impact:
- These findings suggest that negative expectations may hinder the benzodiazepine (BZD) withdrawal process.
- The study highlights the potential of psychological interventions targeting patient expectations to improve BZD discontinuation outcomes.
- Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these preliminary results and their clinical implications.