Finally Empirical Evidence: Benzodiazepine Dependence and Quality of Life

        

    During the 1960s benzodiazepines, a name that represents a range of molecules that interact with GABA activity in the brain, became rapidly accessible and used. Initially, they were approved to be used in the treatment of insomnia, but they have been used in a variety of treatments including anxiety, migraines, and seizures. It is understood that benzodiazepines have a high risk of dependence, but presently there is minimal research actually conducted on its impact on quality of life.

   A study conducted by Lugoboni and collegues this year (2014) is actually the first empirical study conducted to measure the impact of high does benzodiazepine dependence on the quality of life of individuals. The researchers found that, in a sample of  62 dependent benzodiazepine high dose users, quality of life was severely reduced (Loguboni et al., 2014). The participants showed a significant decrease in quality of life in all the areas they researched (physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, mental health). The areas that are involved in the role of patient as it relates to physical and emotional status were the ones that had the highest reduction in quality of life. Interestingly, male participants did show higher scores on general health, mental health, and physical functioning. The participants they researched did show a median dose of benzodiazepines that was 30 times higher than the acceptable amount. This is a limitation of the study because not all users are high dose users so more research should be conducted on the low dose and moderate dose users. It is also important though because this population has not been studied. One of the biggest limitations is the lack of longitudinal design.

    This study is unique in its importance. It is not a dramatic story with incredibly interesting or

entertaining results, but rather they are important because they hugely impact society. The long-term usage of benzodiazepines is currently affecting the lives of 2% to 7.5% of the population in the developed countries of the world. The importance is exacerbated by the fact that benzodiazepines are still prescribed regularly. There is also an eerie silence and lack of discussion about benzodiazepines in the general public. When the doctors prescribe them, the lack of education and empirical research, leads to individuals just accepting that they should take them. These findings have significance across society, and hopefully will lead to a surge of critical thinking among the prescribers of benzodiazepines and the patients taking them.

 

Abstract

Lugoboni, F., Mirijello, A., Faccii, M., Casari, R., Cossari, A., Musi, G., Bissoli, G., Quaglio, G., & Addolorato, G. (2014). Quality of life in a cohort of high-dose benzodiazepine dependent patients. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 142, 105-109. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.06.020