Patterns of use of benzodiazepines in psychiatric patients

Abstract

Background: The benzodiazepine has been one of the most commonly used drugs in psychiatry and general medicine because benzodiazepine have multifaceted actions like pain killing, antiepileptic and others therefore increasing the abuse of these drugs.
Objectives (Aims): The aim of the study is to show the indications for benzodiazepine as in psychiatric patients, and to clarify some of the risks and hazards of their use in general. Methods: This is a cross sectional study that enrolled 300 patients who had been admitted in three centres including Ibn-Rushid Teaching Hospital For Mental Illness, Al-Rashad Mental Hospital and Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital, Psychiatric Unit, during period between 1st of May 2011-20st of March 2012 because of different psychiatric illness.
Result: This study revealed that 66% patients are male and the majority of patients for whom benzodiazepines were prescribed during their stay in hospital are depression (38%). Also this study revealed majority of patients whom benzodiazepines were prescribed for first admission to psychiatric hospitals or psychiatric unit in general hospital.
Conclusion: This study proved that the effect of drug benzodiazepine up on an individual is complex interacting. There are many variables involved such as their pharmacological actions, unwanted effects and interactions with other drugs. We should not prescribe drugs in divided daily dose in those instances where once-daily dose offers advantages.