Benzodiazepines for anxiety disorders: maximising the benefits and minimising the risks

Benzodiazepines still play an important role in the management of anxiety disorders but depende­ nce is associated with their therapeutic use. The key to effective and safe long-term use of benzo­ diazepines is: the careful selection of patients who might benefit from them; administration in clinical situations in which they are more likely to be beneficial; use of lower doses and in conjunction with an antidepressant, if possible; monitoring and managing their side-effects; and minimising the risk of withdrawal symptoms and relapse, mainly through tapering the dose and/or combining with effective psychological interventions.