COMPARISON OF LONG-TERM BENZODIAZEPINE USERS IN 3 SETTINGS

Background. Most studies of chronic benzodiazepine users consider sele cted populations which may be unrepresentative. This study was underta ken to examine possible differences between groups. Method. Subjects c hosen were benzodiazepine users in general practice, a hospital clinic , and attending TRANX trials. Descriptive data were collected on chara cteristics and outcome. Results. TRANX trial patients had the best out come (P=0.027). Hospital cases used high doses of anxiolytic benzodiaz epines; concomitant mental disorder, including schizophrenia, was comm on. General practice cases were order and mainly used hypnotics (P<0.0 5). Conclusions. Because groups of benzodiazepine users are different, there cannot be one single management approach. Cases require individ ual medical assessment.