Benzodiazepine Misuse: An Epidemic Within a Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health issues, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
• Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed for anxiety and insomnia but are also subject to misuse and abuse.
• Pandemic-related measures like lockdowns and social distancing negatively impacted individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the extent of benzodiazepine use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To interpret the potential future effects of observed benzodiazepine usage trends.
• To identify fluctuations in benzodiazepine consumption patterns globally.

Main Methods:

• A literature search was conducted adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol.
• Eight selected articles were reviewed to analyze benzodiazepine usage during the pandemic.
• Data on benzodiazepine prescription refills and consumption were synthesized.

Main Results:

• Worrying fluctuations in benzodiazepine use were reported across various global regions during the pandemic.
• Some studies indicated an increase in benzodiazepine consumption.
• Other studies observed a decrease in prescription refills, potentially due to disruptions in mental healthcare access.

Conclusions:

• Current trends in benzodiazepine use during the pandemic are characterized by significant fluctuations.
• Mental health professionals must maintain caution when prescribing benzodiazepines amidst these changing patterns.
• Further research is essential to understand evolving usage patterns and prevent widespread misuse or abuse.