What is it about?
This letter responds to a large Danish registry study examining trends in the use of benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) and the risk of dose escalation. We sought clarification on some of the reported figures and calculation methods to help ensure readers could accurately interpret the study’s important findings.
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Why is it important?
The original study makes a significant contribution by showing that, under current prescribing practices, most BZRA users do not develop long-term use or escalate to high doses. This evidence helps counter excessive fears about addiction risk in reasonable, guideline-concordant use. Our letter and the authors’ helpful clarifications improve transparency and support informed, balanced clinical decisions.
Perspectives
Clinicians should recognize that, while monitoring remains important, most patients prescribed BZRAs do not experience problematic escalation. Researchers should aim for clear, consistent reporting to aid interpretation. This exchange shows how scientific dialogue can clarify findings and help guide safer, more nuanced prescribing.
JIA‐CHI SHAN
Cathay General Hospital
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Numbers to Be Clarified in the Danish Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonists Cohort Study, American Journal of Psychiatry, July 2025, American Psychiatric Association,
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20240009.
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