Benzodiazepines for anxiety

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders. About one in four adults in Australia has an anxiety disorder at some time in their life. This can be associated with severe distress. It can lead to disrupted social life and poor health.

Benzodiazepines are used by doctors to treat anxiety.

Based on 118 studies, it is unclear if benzodiazepines help to treat anxiety. Some studies found benzodiazepines help, while others did not. They were not good quality studies.

All agreed that there are possible harms with benzodiazepines. They say doctors must carefully judge the risks and benefits before prescribing them.