Benzodiazepines: therapeutic, biological and psychosocial issues. Symposium summary

In approaching the end of this symposium discussed at this conference, we have examined a wealth of information on the appropriate use of benzodiazepines, and find ourselves paradoxically only at the beginning. The issues we have approached extend from molecules to society. Many questions remain unanswered; many issues remain unresolved. In essence, the future requires far more systematic studies than are yet in hand. Relative value must be assigned to the topics in an attempt to distinguish issues that truly are problematic from those that are nonissues. It is clear that as physicians, we want to be more informed in the management of complications of all beneficial medications, including benzodiazepine use. After all, balancing the risks and benefits of any therapeutic option in the treatment of human ailments is what the art and science of medicine are all about. Furthermore, if we are to counter the hysteria that can surround almost any form of medical therapy, we have a responsibility to educate patients, physicians, and the general public about the burden of psychiatric disorders, and the risks and benefits of treatment.