The Frequency of Benzodiazepine Use in the Isparta Province

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective: In the present study, we aimed to determine the frequency of benzodiazepine prescriptions to patients with psychiatric disorders in Isparta Province, Turkey.Methods: The data was collected retrospectively from records of controlled drugs of Isparta Province in 2011. A total of 11,317 benzodiazepine prescriptions for any kind of psychiatric disorder, written for patients from January 2011 through December 2011 were included. Prescriptions for diagnoses other than psychiatric disorders were excluded.Results: In Isparta Province, one year frequency of benzodiazepine use at least one time was 2.06% (2.58% for females and 1.53% for males). The number for patients aged 65 years or older was found to be 3.92%. Benzodiazepines were prescribed mostly by general practitioners (39.2%), psychiatrists (33.4%), and neurologists (19.2%). The most frequently prescribed benzodiazepines were alprazolam (76.4%), clonazepam (11.4%), and diazepam (6.8%).Conclusion: The frequency of benzodiazepine use in Isp...