Prevalence and correlates of the long-term regular use of anxiolytics
G. D. Mellinger, M. B. Balter and E. H. Uhlenhuth
Long-term use of anxiolytics has been a cause for concern because of the
possibility of dependency and other adverse consequences. In a nationally
representative probability survey of adults conducted in 1979, we found
that long-term use (defined as regular daily use for a year or longer) was
relatively rare, occurring among 15% of all anxiolytic users--a rate of
1.6% of all adults between the ages of 18 and 79 years in the general
population. The data indicate that long-term regular users tend to be older
persons with high levels of emotional distress and chronic somatic health
problems. They are preponderantly women, and many are sufficiently
distressed to seek out other sources of help (mental health professionals
and other psychotherapeutic medications) as well. The sizable majority of
long-term users is being monitored by their physicians at reasonably
frequent intervals. The data give little support to current stereotypes of
long-term users and suggest, instead, that such use is associated with bona
fide health problems that are being treated within the broader context of
the health system.
Risk Factors Associated With Problem Use of Prescription Drugs
Simoni-Wastila and Strickler
Am. J. Public Health 2004;94:266-268.
ABSTRACT
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Lack of Relationship Between Long-Term Use of Benzodiazepines and Escalation to High Dosages
Soumerai et al.
Psychiatr. Serv. 2003;54:1006-1011.
ABSTRACT
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Benzodiazepines revisited
Bobrow
Fam Pract 2003;20:347-349.
FULL TEXT
The Epidemiology of Common Late-Life Mental Disorders in the Community: Themes for the New Century
Gallo and Lebowitz
Psychiatr. Serv. 1999;50:1158-1166.
ABSTRACT
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The Potential Impact of the Baby-Boom Generation on Substance Abuse Among Elderly Persons
Patterson and Jeste
Psychiatr. Serv. 1999;50:1184-1188.
ABSTRACT
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Taking Policy Action to Reduce Benzodiazepine Use and Promote Self-Care Among Seniors
Hall
Journal of Applied Gerontology 1998;17:318-351.
ABSTRACT
Use of Benzodiazepines in Anxiety Disorders
Powell et al.
NEJM 1993;329:1500-1501.
FULL TEXT
Use of Benzodiazepines in Anxiety Disorders
Shader and Greenblatt
NEJM 1993;328:1398-1405.
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