DEFINING BENZODIAZEPINE DEPENDENCE - THE CONFUSION PERSISTS

Little consensus exists on the risk of benzodiazepine (BZD) dependence . we investigated how often BZD dependence and related concepts have b een defined in the literature on BZD effects in humans. In addition, t he definitions of BZD dependence were compared in order to assess the similarity of contents. From a total of 250 papers (published between 1988 and 1991) 51 provided 126 dependence-related definitions. Six stu dies referred to the DSM definitions and one to the WHO definition. Th e obsolete concept of addiction was frequently defined (n = 13), with little consensus about its meaning. Psychological and physical depende nce were defined fairly often (n = 29), also with low levels of consen sus. We conclude that the discussion on the risk of BZD dependence wou ld be well-served by attempting to improve consensus first. This may l ead to more meaningful data on the incidence, prevalence and relevant cofactors of BZD dependence. An outline for criteria for benzodiazepin e dependence is presented.