Tennant F S, Pumphrey E A
NIDA Res Monogr. 1984;55:211-6.
Twenty-two (22) patients with long-term benzodiazepine dependence ranging from 3.5 to 13 years (Mean 7.4 years) were referred to us for evaluation and treatment. Daily dosages ranged from 10 to 100 mg (Mean 43.8 mg) of diazepam or its equivalent. Psychiatric diagnosis by DSM-III criteria revealed that 13 (59.1%) had schizophrenic disorder; 7 (48%) had generalized anxiety disorder, and 2 (9.1%) had manic depression. Only one patient could be totally withdrawn and remain abstinent from benzodiazepines without substituting another psychotherapeutic drug. Benzodiazepine dependence appeared therapeutic in the majority of these patients since psychotic symptoms, anxiety, or alcohol abuse were reduced. Based on these observations and other studies, we suggest that long-term benzodiazepine dependence should not always be discontinued, since the patient may have severe underlying psychiatric and medical illnesses that are therapeutically well controlled.
22名长期苯二氮䓬依赖患者被转介至我院进行评估和治疗，其依赖时间为3.5至13年（平均7.4年）。地西泮或其等效物的每日剂量为10至100毫克（平均43.8毫克）。根据《精神疾病诊断与统计手册》第三版标准进行的精神科诊断显示，13名（59.1%）患有精神分裂症；7名（48%）患有广泛性焦虑症，2名（9.1%）患有躁郁症。只有一名患者能够完全停用苯二氮䓬并在不使用其他心理治疗药物的情况下保持戒断状态。在这些患者中，大多数患者的苯二氮䓬依赖似乎具有治疗作用，因为精神病症状、焦虑或酒精滥用有所减轻。基于这些观察结果和其他研究，我们建议长期苯二氮䓬依赖不应总是被停用，因为患者可能患有严重的潜在精神疾病和躯体疾病，而这些疾病在治疗上得到了很好的控制。
