There are a wide variety of different mental health conditions including depression, anxiety disorders and bulimia where medications such as antidepressants have been recognised as an effective form of treatment. Ideally, medication should best be offered to the patient in conjunction with forms of psychotherapy including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family therapy and interpersonal therapy (IPT).
In addition to antidepressant treatment, benzodiazepines. are another form of medication used to treat symptoms associated with mental health disorders.
Benzodiazepines are a form of medication referred to as 'minor tranquilizers' and the first forms of this medication classincluded Librium and Diazepam (Valium) which were first discovered back in the 1960s. Although these medications are now recognised as being very addictive, they are still believed to be both a safe and effective form of short-term treatment for a wide variety of different conditions.
What are Benzodiazepines?
In comparison to previous tranquilizers such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines have also been identified as being far less dangerous in terms of overdose.
This class of medication may be prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist to treat various conditions including the following: anxiety related disorders, insomnia, muscle spasms and seizures. Benzodiazepines may also be prescribed for those suffering from depression in addition to antidepressant medication in the initial phase of treatment.
These medications have frequently been used for helping patients get to sleep although in recent years alternatives have become increasingly more common including Zopiclone and Zolpidem.
Risks of Benzodiazepine Treatment for Anxiety
While this class of medication is safe and effective in the short-term treatment of back pain, anxiety and stress-related condition, it has been identified as extremely addictive if used in the long-term. In fact, this medication is believed to be one of the most addictive substances created - even more so than cocaine or heroin.
Withdrawal problems associated with coming off benzodiazepines may include physical, psychological as well as behavioural changes to the patient. Common symptoms include extreme anxiety, nightmares, depression, stress, insomnia, tachycardia and at worst, even psychosis and seizures.
As many of the above withdrawal symptoms are also common in patients with certain mental health conditions, it is easy to see how patients actually suffering from withdrawal may be misdiagnosed as having mental illness such as depression or anxiety disorder.
As highlighted above, while benzodiazepines are effective in the short-term, they are potentially very harmful if used in the long-term. For advice and information on alternative forms of medication, it is worth making an appointment with a doctor or mental health professional.
Source:
Plant, J. & Stephenson, J. (2008) Beating Stress, Anxiety & Depression London: Piatkus
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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