Psychosocial interventions for benzodiazepine harmful use, abuse or dependence.

Abstract

Conclusion: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) plus taper is effective in the short term (three month time period) in reducing benzodiazepine (BZD) use. However, this is not maintained at six months and subsequently. The possibility of including a 'top-up' of CBT to sustain long term effects should be investigated. Currently there is insufficient evidence to support the use of Motivational Interviewing (MI) to reduce BZD use. There is some evidence to suggest that a tailored GP letter versus a general GP letter, standardised interview versus treatment as usual (TAU) and relaxation versus TAU could be effective for BZD reduction. There is currently insufficient evidence for other psychosocial approaches to reduce BZD use.