[Diazepam-induced disinhibition]

Benzodiazepines are among the most often prescribed drugs worldwide, and are mostly prescribed by general practitioners and family physicians. Their side-effects include tolerance, dependence, intoxication, withdrawal syndrome, retrograde amnesia, paradoxical agitation (frequent in the elderly) and disinhibition. A 32-year-old woman is presented. She was brought to the emergency room because of psychotic-like behavior. It was caused by severe disinhibition due to a single 5 mg dose of diazepam prescribed during uncomplicated bereavement. 14 hours later all symptoms had subsided and she was discharged.