While the introduction of benzodiazepines was rightly welcomed given their enhanced safety profile relative to barbiturates, their use has come under increased scrutiny as evidence of potential risks has accumulated. In this activity, we will first review the epidemiology of benzodiazepine prescribing—to whom are they prescribed and why? Next, we will review the available evidence about both the risks associated with and evidence base supporting their use, including available evidence focused specifically on those with serious mental illness. Finally, we will consider the approach to deprescribing a benzodiazepine when clinicians and patients have decided this is the appropriate course.

Format

Recorded webinar, non-interactive, self-paced distance learning activity with post-test.

This presentation was recorded on March 5, 2021.

Learning Objectives

• Describe basic epidemiology of benzodiazepine use.

• Identify most common indications for and risks of use, including evidence specifically related to those with serious mental illness.

• Outline an approach to tapering a benzodiazepine.

Target Audience

Pharmacist, Psychiatrist, Physician (non-psychiatrist), Physician Assistant, Nurse/Nurse Practitioner

Instructional Level

Intermediate

Estimate Time to Complete

Estimated Duration: 1.0 hour
Program Start Date: March 5, 2021 
Program End Date: March 5, 2024

How to Earn Credit

Participants who wish to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ or a certificate of participation may do so by completing all sections of the course, including viewing the full video and submitting an evaluation. A multiple-choice quiz is provided based on the content. A passing score of 75% must be achieved. After evaluating the program, course participants will be provided with an opportunity to claim hours of participation and print an official CME certificate (physicians) or certificate of participation (other disciplines) showing the completion date and hours/credits earned.

Continuing Education Credit

Physicians

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The APA designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Faculty and Planner Disclosures

Instructor

• Donovan Maust, MD, is a geriatric psychiatrist at University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor with two primary research interests. First, he is exploring the determinants and outcomes of potentially inappropriate psychotropic prescribing to older adults, with a particular focus on benzodiazepines. In addition, he is interested in the factors that drive overuse of medical services by older adults with dementia. Dr. Maust reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.

Planners

• Teri Brister, PhD, LPC, National Alliance on Mental Illness. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.
• Tristan Gorrindo, MD, American Psychiatric Association. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests.

• Teri Brister, PhD, LPC, National Alliance on Mental Illness. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests. (Reviewed on 1/9/2024)
• John Torous, MD, MBI, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Reports no financial relationships with commercial interests. (Reviewed on 1/9/2024

Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities

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Technical Requirements

This internet-based CME activity is best experienced using any of the following:

• The latest and 2nd latest public versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari
• Internet Explorer 11+

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Optimal System Configuration:

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