[Clinical aspects of benzodiazepines]

The wide therapeutic spectrum of benzodiazepines is well known. This is due to its neuropharmacological, e.g. anxiolytic, sedative-hypnotic, muscle relaxing and anticonvulsant effects. The existence of an antidepressive effect could not be proven up till now. The anxiolytic and the hypnotic effects are considered as the most important events. But it has to be pointed out that the pharmacotherapy of anxiety is only one of the therapeutic approaches towards the problem. A way how to deal with anxiety and other problems could be well discussed and supported in Balint-groups, which are widely offered especially for those, who have not been trained in psychotherapy. Unfortunately a misuse of benzodiazepines is still widely existing. Especially after longer treatment the patients often become addicted to the drugs. Therefore we suggest a thorough consideration of these side effects before any long term treatment with benzodiazepines is decided.