From Mother’s Little Helper to General Practitioner’s Dilemma: Confidence in the Recognition and Management of Benzodiazepine Dependence in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia

Abstract

Introduction: Benzodiazepines are among the most commonly prescribed medications in general practice in Australia. This offers an important opportunity to recognise and manage dependence. Objectives: investigate the level of confidence General Practitioners in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia have in recognizing and managing benzodiazepine dependence. Method: a cross sectional survey was sent to all the general practitioners in the Great Southern Region practicing at the time the survey was disseminated. Results: the survey response rate was 35%. The majority of respondents were more confident in recognizing, rather than managing, dependence. The most common barrier to recognition and management was inconsistent prescribing within practices, followed by lack of time and experience. Discussion: Barriers to managing benzodiazepine dependence appear to play a significant part in undermining General Practitioner (GP) confidence and practice, suggesting that additional practical and systems supports need to be available at a practice, regional and national level.