Conference paper
ROLE OF BENZODIAZEPINES IN THE TREATMENT OF ANXIETY DISORDERS IN 2014
Stéphanie de Mesmaeker
; Université Catholique de Louvain, Psychosomatics Unit, Mont-Godinne University Hospital, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium
Nicolas Zdanowicz
; Université Catholique de Louvain, Psychosomatics Unit, Mont-Godinne University Hospital, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium
Christine Reynaert
; Université Catholique de Louvain, Psychosomatics Unit, Mont-Godinne University Hospital, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium
Denis Jacques
; Université Catholique de Louvain, Psychosomatics Unit, Mont-Godinne University Hospital, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium
Abstract
Background: This article aims at determining the place of benzodiazepines in the current treatment of anxiety disorders in
opposition to antidepressants, neuroleptics and anticonvulsants. Belgium and France are the only two European countries which
prescribe the most benzodiazepines despite the dissuasion of the international guidelines (NICE) issued in the nineties concerning
the high risk of dependance of these molecules. What about the respect of these guidelines and the use of benzodiazepines in general
practice in 2014?
Methods: Review of the literature with the following key words «anxiety disorder, benzodiazepines, anxiolytic, treatment» in the
international database of PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and consulting of various reference books.
Results: No class of molecules could measure up to benzodiazepines until now, neither from the point of view of efficiency, nor
from the point of view of cost-efficiency. This is why the guidelines (NICE) discourage the few available alternatives in the general
practice. International figures from Belgium and France show a continuous increase in the use of benzodiazepines in the treatment
of anxiety disorders, even after the nineties. Given the fact that benzodiazepines differ from one another at the level of their action
profile (graphical representation in “stars”) and are therefore able to relieve several symptoms simultaneously, these molecules still
respond nowadays to many expectations of the clinical practitioners.
Conclusions: The divergence between the guidelines and the practice confirm the irreplaceability of benzodiazepines at the
present time. Nevertheless, the expectation of new molecules with fewer side effects should be investigated in further research.
Keywords
anxiety disorder; benzodiazepines; anxiolytic; treatment
Hrčak ID:
265663
URI
Publication date:
5.11.2014.
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