RESULTS BZDs are ineffective for PTSD treatment and prevention , and risks associated with their use tend to outweigh potential short-term benefits .
In addition to adverse effects in general population s , BZDs are associated with specific problems in patients with PTSD : worse overall severity , significantly increased risk of developing PTSD with use after recent trauma , worse psychotherapy outcomes , aggression , depression , and substance use .
The results of this systematic review suggest that BZDs should be considered relatively contraindicated for patients with PTSD or recent trauma .
OBJECTIVE Although benzodiazepines ( BZDs ) are commonly used in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) , no systematic review or meta- analysis has specifically examined this treatment .
The goal of this study was to analyze and summarize evidence concerning the efficacy of BZDs in treating PTSD .
Benzodiazepine use in posttraumatic stress disorder among veterans with substance abuse.
Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) and substance abuse may abuse benzodiazepines and develop violent dyscontrol when using them . A total of 370 veterans were compared by substance abuse diagnosis ( 50 % ) , benzodiazepine use ( 36 % ) , and their interaction on 1-year outcomes after inpatient discharge . Substance abusers were less likely to be prescribed benzodiazepines ( 26 % vs. 45 % ) . No outcome showed a differential worsening by substance abuse or benzodiazepines , although some baseline differences were noted . Outpatient health care utilization was lower in benzodiazepine users ( 47 vs. 33 visits ) . Among PTSD patients with comorbid substance abuse , benzodiazepine treatment was not associated with adverse effects on outcome , but it may reduce health care utilization
RESULTS BZDs are ineffective for PTSD treatment and prevention , and risks associated with their use tend to outweigh potential short-term benefits .
In addition to adverse effects in general population s , BZDs are associated with specific problems in patients with PTSD : worse overall severity , significantly increased risk of developing PTSD with use after recent trauma , worse psychotherapy outcomes , aggression , depression , and substance use .
The results of this systematic review suggest that BZDs should be considered relatively contraindicated for patients with PTSD or recent trauma .
OBJECTIVE Although benzodiazepines ( BZDs ) are commonly used in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) , no systematic review or meta- analysis has specifically examined this treatment .
The goal of this study was to analyze and summarize evidence concerning the efficacy of BZDs in treating PTSD .