[Benzodiazepines--attitudes and prescription practice among general practitioners and psychiatrists]

64 general practitioners and 42 psychiatrists in central Norway answered a questionnaire which evaluated the doctors attitudes to benzodiazepines through their responses to 19 statements regarding these drugs. In addition, eight patient questionnaires were used to assess prescribing habits regarding benzodiazepines. There was considerable variation between the responses from the two groups of doctors. Psychiatrists exhibited significantly (p less than 0.001) more negative attitudes and stricter prescription habits as regards benzodiazepines than general practitioners did. Another finding was a significant and positive correlation between attitudes and prescribing habits.