Predictors of relapse after discontinuation of long-term benzodiazepine use by minimal intervention: a 2-year follow-up study
Publication year
2003Source
Family Practice, 20, 3, (2003), pp. 370-372ISSN
Publication type
Article / Letter to editor

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Organization
SW OZ BSI KLP
Journal title
Family Practice
Volume
vol. 20
Issue
iss. 3
Page start
p. 370
Page end
p. 372
Subject
Experimental Psychopathology and TreatmentAbstract
Background. Long-term results of minimal intervention strategies to cut down benzodiazepine use are not available.
Objective. To evaluate the relapse rate over a two-year period and to search for predictors of
relapse among patients who quit benzodiazepine use after receiving a discontinuation letter.
Methods. Baseline assessment and prospective monitoring of the medical records of 109 patients who quit long-term benzodiazepine use after a minimal intervention strategy in general practice.
Results. After 819 ± 100 days of follow-up, 53 (49%) patients had remained completely abstinent. Two independent predictors of relapse were identified by Cox regression analysis: use of more than 10 mg diazepam equivalent (RR = 2.4 [1.2 – 4.7]) and poor general health perception (RR = 0.98 [0.97 – 0.99]).
Conclusion. Short-term success rates after a minimal intervention were maintained well during long-term follow-up. High-dose users have the highest risk of relapse.
This item appears in the following Collection(s)
- Academic publications [204980]
- Faculty of Social Sciences [27347]
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