The place of tranquillisers in the management of stress

There is good evidence that many types of tranquilliser are effective in treating anxiety disorders that result from stress, but this evidence is not sufficient to recommend their use for acute stress disorders. Although there is little doubt that they will relieve the mood disturbance of severe mental and physical trauma, they may aid the process of denial. There is also a danger that short-term use of tranquillisers may progress to long-term dependence despite the initial intention of the prescriber. It is recommended that tranquillisers should be only used if the stress is severe enough to lead to marked changes in behaviour, is unpredicted and is likely to have a clear beginning and end. Benzodiazepines are usually the tranquillisers of choice but other drugs are available in patients prone to dependence.