LONG-TERM USE OF BENZODIAZEPINES - TOLERANCE, DEPENDENCE AND CLINICALPROBLEMS IN ANXIETY AND MOOD DISORDERS

This paper reviews the literature on the epidemiological, biological a nd clinical features of benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal syndr ome, focusing on clinical problems associated with the long-term use o f benzodiazepine (BZs) in mood and anxiety disorders. These conditions represent the most frequent mental disorders for which BZs are overpr escribed. In addition to dependence and withdrawal phenomena, the pres ence of chronic subtle toxicity and the interference with the underlyi ng psychopathology observed with BZ use suggests a need for a more car eful evaluation of the risk-benefit ratio in the long-term administrat ion of BZs.