U.S. Psychiatric and Mental Health Congress 2015

Benzodiazepines continue to prove to be an effective clinical intervention in the management of anxiety disorders and insomnia and are widely utilized in clinical practice. Over the last 2 years, multiple lines of evidence reveal potential adverse outcomes for patients who are taking benzodiazepines, including increased risk of falls and addiction. We clinicians are understandably confused: Do we use benzodiazepines? Do we not use benzodiazepines? What do we do with those patients who are already taking benzodiazepines? The goal of this session is to engage attendees in a much-needed conversation about the risk-benefit ratio of using benzodiazepines. Drs. Saundra and Rakesh Jain will review the pros and cons associated with the use of benzodiazepines, as well as withdrawal/tapering schedules. The roles of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions in the withdrawal/tapering process will also be presented.