Evaluating the use of benzodiazepines following recent bereavement.
BACKGROUND
There is no evidence to support current advice not to use benzodiazepines after bereavement.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the role of benzodiazepines in the management of bereavement.


METHODS
We conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the use of diazepam after recent bereavement. Participants were randomised to either 2 mg diazepam or identically packaged placebo up to three times daily. The primary outcome measure was the Bereavement Phenomenology Questionnaire.


RESULTS
Thirty subjects were randomised. No evidence was found of an effect of benzodiazepines on the course of the first 6 months of bereavement (estimated mean difference of combined follow-up assessments=0.3 in favour of placebo; 95% Cl - 6.2 to +6.7).


CONCLUSIONS
We found no evidence of a positive or negative effect of benzodiazepines on the course of bereavement.
Warner
J
J
Imperial College School of Medicine, St Charles Hospital, London, UK. j.warner@ic.ac.uk
Metcalfe
C
C
King
M
M
D000368:Aged; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001601:Bereavement; D000075202:Contraindications; D003975:Diazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D003975:Diazepam