How Much Benzodiazepine Prescribing is the Right Amount of Prescribing?-Presentation And Q&A

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Benjamin Druss, Professor and Rosalynn Carter Chair in Mental Health at Emory University, introduces the SMI Advisor webinar on benzodiazepine prescribing. He discusses the mission of SMI Advisor, which is to help clinicians implement evidence-based care for individuals with serious mental illness. Dr. Donovan Most, a geriatric psychiatrist at the University of Michigan, presents the webinar on benzodiazepine epidemiology, risks, benefits, and tapering strategies. He discusses the prevalence of benzodiazepine prescriptions, the potential harms of benzodiazepine use, and the evidence for the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in treating specific psychiatric disorders. Dr. Most emphasizes the importance of tapering off benzodiazepines slowly and highlights the resources available to clinicians through the VA's Academic Detailing Service. He also encourages clinicians to have open and honest discussions with patients about the risks and benefits of benzodiazepine use, and to consider alternatives to benzodiazepines for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Overall, the webinar provides valuable information and guidance for clinicians on the appropriate prescribing and tapering of benzodiazepines for individuals with serious mental illness.

Keywords

Dr. Benjamin Druss

Rosalynn Carter Chair in Mental Health

SMI Advisor webinar

benzodiazepine prescribing

evidence-based care

serious mental illness

Dr. Donovan Most

geriatric psychiatrist

benzodiazepine epidemiology

tapering strategies