title: Benzodiazepine dependence--aetiological factors, time course, consequences and withdrawal symptomatology: a study of five cases.
abstract: The development and time course of benzodiazepine (BZD) dependence is reported for five case histories. The underlying psychiatric disorders, life-events as potential initiators of BZD use/abuse and psychosocial consequences are discussed. The abstinence symptoms appearing during a course of standardized withdrawal therapy are described in detail. The case reports clearly demonstrate the chronic nature of the development of BZD dependence and of the tendency to increase the dosage which may occur only after years of intake and the gradual appearance of negative effects of chronic BZD intake.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig Maximilians Universitäl, München, F.R.G.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Brenner
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wolf
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grohmann
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rüther
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008875:Middle Aged; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001569:Benzodiazepines